All Types
Christ's kingdom requires different types of courage, including the courage of the hand and the courage of the heart.
George Matheson emphasizes the distinct types of boldness exhibited by Peter and John, both of whom derived their courage from their time with Jesus. While Peter's boldness is characterized by action and decisiveness, John's boldness is marked by patience and endurance. Matheson illustrates that Christ equips individuals with different forms of courage to meet the diverse challenges of life, highlighting that both action and waiting are essential in the kingdom of God. He concludes that both types of courage are necessary, as life presents moments for both active engagement and patient endurance.
Text
"When they saw the boldness of Peter and John...they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus"
(Acts 4:13).
These two men drew one quality from the same source; they had both become bold from living with Jesus. Yet it was not the same kind of boldness. Peter and John were both courageous; yet the courage of Peter was as unlike the courage of John as the sun is unlike the moon. When Christ gives the same quality to two men He does not thereby make them the same man. The light which shines on the wall comes from the same source as the light which shines on the river; but no one would mistake the light on the river for the light on the wall. Even so, no one would mistake the courage of Peter for the courage of John. They are not only different; they are in some sense opposite. Peter has the courage that strikes; John has the courage that waits. Peter is a force of action; John is a force of bearing. Peter draws the sword; John lies on the bosom. Peter crosses the sea to meet Jesus; John tarries till the Lord comes. Peter goes into the sepulchre where the body of Jesus has lain; John merely looks in--keeps the image of sorrow in his heart.
Christ needs each of these types. There are times when His kingdom requires the courage of the hand--the power of actual contact with danger. There are times when it needs the courage of the heart--the power to wait when nothing can be done, and to keep the spirit up when the hand must be let down. Life has both its Galilee and its Patmos--its place for work and its place for waiting; and for both it requires courage.
Sermon Outline
- The Source of Boldness
- The Courage of Peter
- The Courage of John
- Christ's Need for Both Types
- The kingdom requires both courage of the hand and heart
- Life has both Galilee and Patmos, requiring different types of courage
Key Quotes
“When Christ gives the same quality to two men He does not thereby make them the same man.” — George Matheson
“The light which shines on the wall comes from the same source as the light which shines on the river; but no one would mistake the light on the river for the light on the wall.” — George Matheson
“Life has both its Galilee and its Patmos--its place for work and its place for waiting; and for both it requires courage.” — George Matheson
Application Points
- Recognize that Christ's kingdom requires different types of courage, and be willing to adapt to the situation.
- Develop the courage to act when necessary, but also learn to wait and bear when action is not possible.
- Understand that your unique gifts and strengths are needed in the kingdom of God.