11-24-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 24, 2024
How does fear affect you? Let’s be honest, there are some genuine unfounded fears. However, it’s important to recognize that an unfounded fear given permission to reside within someone is real. We’ve all had a few of those experiences in our lives. Simply telling the fearful person, “Oh, that’s silly! Don’t be afraid,” is of no help. Along with unfounded fears, there are also legitimate reasons why people might be concerned enough to express their fears out loud. In recent weeks, I’ve had a number of conversations with people and listened to them express their fears, and I have found myself experiencing some growing anxiousness for some people I love. 

In my sermon tomorrow, I’ll share some thoughts on how some people perceive God as a source of fear. In fact, there are those who even go so far as to claim that God uses fear to control people. However, my faith finds this to be theological nonsense, especially considering Jesus is described as “the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). Jesus frequently spoke about imparting divine peace to people, and I cannot imagine that Jesus followed those comforting words of peace with, “Take the stupid peace or God will smite you with some holy wrath.” God doesn’t need to be the source of fear when there are countless unfounded fears lurking in our minds and numerous situations that understandably cause genuine apprehension. The God who takes on flesh for us in Jesus is saying to us, “I understand your fears, and I am here to walk with you, to speak words of peace into your heart, and to help you find a way forward in faith.” 

For everything that causes me fear, even the occasional nonsense, I look to you, Merciful God, for the peace promised by Jesus, the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me make more room for that gift to dwell within me. Amen.