Bravest Words

Bravest Words

“Give me liberty or give me death!” Historians feel Patrick Henry’s bold words at the Virginia Convention in 1775 were some of the bravest spoken during the American Revolution. What are the bravest words you’ve ever heard? Maybe they were spoken in a movie, in a book, or by someone you know.

The Bible is full of brave words. Throughout history, God’s people have made bold declarations, risking their lives to declare God’s power or to call out sin in the lives of powerful people. Of course, the Bible contains stories of cowardly words as well. Peter boldly declared that Jesus was the Messiah. But later he denied even knowing Jesus, because he was scared of what people would think or what they would do to him.

We cheer for courage. We love to see bold men and women laugh in the face of danger. Two incidents in the Bible show incredible bravery. The first can be found in Daniel 3. It’s a familiar story: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down to an idol because they worshiped only God. Instead of caving in, they said to the king, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. . . . But even if he doesn’t . . . we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18). Those three young men showed great bravery. They had such confidence in God that they said they would obey him even if God decided not to save their lives. The other example came near the end of Jesus’ life. After agonizing in prayer before God the Father in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus saw the arresting mob coming and said these brave words: “Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” (Matthew 26:46).

Jesus didn’t say, “Run away!” He got up and went to the trial and to the cross to pay for all of our sins.

Brave words indeed.

Daddy-Daughter Time

Have you ever been provided the opportunity to speak brave words? How did you respond? Ask your dad to share a time or two when he either spoke up, or when he didn’t speak up and wished he had.

As you study speeches, read stories, or watch movies, look for examples of brave words. Make a collection of them together in a notepad or journal. Let them inspire you!

What’s The Word?

[Jesus] came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!”   Matthew 26:45-46