GOD IS LOVE Devotion 27 of 34 "Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment . . . " (1 John 4:17) AS HE IS, SO ARE WE And what is the basis of this boldness or confidence? Again, the Spirit speaks quite differently than many who bear the name of Jesus. "Because as He is, so are we in this world." Notice, it does not say "As He WAS," but "As He IS." The point is not that we are living in the world like Jesus lived when He was in the world although there is certainly an element of truth in that. The point is that we are so intimately involved with the Lord Jesus that His present life is being expressed through us while we are in the world. Is that not a marvelous consideration?
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love . . . God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (1 John 4:9,16)
These words fly over the head of the flesh. Those who are not living by faith cannot conceive of having "boldness in the day of judgment." "Boldness," in this case, refers to unwavering "confidence," and is so translated in later versions (RSV, NASB, NIV). Confidence, or assurance, is an aspect of faith, and will yield glorious results when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of ourselves (Rom 14:10).
The word translated "boldness" is a large one indeed, invested with much meaning by the Holy Spirit. It involves an attitude of unhesitating openness that stems from a lack of fear. It takes place publicly, and is not a private matter. Thus the picture is of one standing before God Almighty in a state of absolute confidence, joy, and openness nothing hidden. Such a condition is mentioned by Jude, who traces it back to Divine enablement. "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless before the presence of His glory WITH EXCEEDING JOY" (Jude 24).
This sort of boldness is depicted in the parable of the talents. When the faithful stewards faced their master, they responded with boldness and confidence. "So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them . . . He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them'" (Matt 25:20,22). Notice how Jesus stated this. The master did not ask them what they did with his possessions. Rather, they "came and brought" their talents, and "came and said." On the day of accountability, they were bold and forward to give an account! That is the sort of thing our text is declaring.
And what can be said of Jesus now? What is He doing, and what are His interests. The Word of God is abundantly clear on this. He is "ever living" to make intercession for the saints (Heb 7:25). He is the "Great Shepherd of the sheep" (Heb 13:20), and is touched with the "feeling of their infirmities" (Heb 4:15-16). He is giving them rest (Matt 11:28), and is nourishing and cherishing them (Eph 5:29). He is committed to their interests, marshals angelic hosts for their assistance, and governs the world with them in mind. There is not a single moment when Jesus is not attentive to those destined to be His bride.
How is it that such a life can be found in us? How can we be "as He is" in the world? The resounding message of this book is that this is revealed in our attitude toward His people. In this text, loving the brethren is the focus of "as He is." I understand that being holy as He is holy is essential. The hatred of sin and the love of righteousness is also a requisite. No part of spiritual life is to be avoided. But all of this is concentrated in the love of the brethren. Right there the real nature of Christ is made known, and it will yield benefits on the day of judgment itself.
PRAYER POINT: Father, I know and believe You have appointed a day in which You will judge the world by Jesus. I thank You in His name that You have provided a way for me to appear before You bold and confident at that time.
– Tomorrow: