There’s a fine line, isn’t there, between boldness and arrogance? Boldness is a courageous confidence rooted in purpose, humility, conviction. Arrogance, on the other hand, is rooted in a self-centred pride.

In short, arrogance pushes others down; boldness lifts truth up. Boldness honours God and others; arrogance merely honours self.

We admire people whose boldness comes from a good heart. But arrogant people … well, we’ll cross the street to avoid them.

Yesterday we saw how Jesus humbled Himself by becoming one of us, by being tempted and tested in every way as we are, even though He was (and is) the Son of God. Here it is again, but with a bit more; with an encouragement to be bold before God:

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest [Jesus] who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)

Why can we come boldly before the throne of grace? Because Jesus gets it. He’s experienced the very same trials and temptations of life that we have (and then some). And through Jesus, what do we discover at the throne of grace? Mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.

Never be afraid to come back to God. If you believe in Jesus, come quickly, come boldly before the throne … because it’s a throne of grace.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.