"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward."

A child was bullied at school. He wanted to approach his father for help but lack the confidence. He was afraid that his dad had not forgiven his last disobedience. He was afraid that instead of being helped, he would be reproached by his father.

However, if he knew that his sin has been forgiven, he would be able to approach his father with confidence. How assuring! I suspect many of us have similar experience, perhaps not just with our father but with our siblings and friends.

This is the same in our relationship with our heavenly Father. The confidence in this verse is related to a earlier verse (v19) "Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,". To know that I have been forgiven is essential in re-establishing my relationship with God and with any other persons.

This confidence gained through forgiveness is not cheap. The blood of Jesus was the cost. As we cling on this confidence and constantly abide in Him, the Day will come when our faithfulness will be rewarded.

It is a comfort and a challenge to keep this confidence.

Lord Jesus, thank you for agreeing to be lifted up on the Cross where you bled for me. May I treasure this confidence and never abuse or take if for granted. Amen