Fear Not…Then Stop Hiding What We Are

I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God’s words and acts. I write this letter to all the believers in Rome, God’s friends. (Romans 1:1 The Message)

Fear Not…Then Stop Hiding What We Are

I once turned down a job at an investment firm, because I knew I needed a life outside of the office.  “If you work for me,” my prospective boss uttered, “you live for me.”

I did not want to surrender that much.

But as Paul begins this letter, he surprisingly calls himself a slave.  He does not water it down by calling himself a servant. (Despite what some translators claim) He does not attempt to make the gospel palatable by claiming that we get to be on His level.  He does not paint his situation a bit brighter, to make it more appealing…

He says that he is a slave.  A devoted, content, willing slave.

Being a Christian is not joining a club because you have desirable resources to share.  Being a Christian is not linking arms with Jesus and pulling the weight into heaven.  Being a Christian is not the result of seeing an excellent deal and grabbing it.

Being a Christian is acknowledging that without Christ, we are absolutely doomed.  Being a Christian is completely surrendering ourselves to Jesus, because we have no other choice.  Being a Christian is clinging desperately to HIS coattails, with our broken and bruised arms, with no strength, no energy, and no other hope. 

Yet when we present our Christianity to the world, we sometimes paint it in a different light.  We act like we think Jesus needs US.  We speak like Jesus is glad to have us on HIS team.  We think as if our adoption makes us just like Jesus, only shorter.

But we are slaves.  Devoted slaves, content slaves, willing slaves.

Remembering and presenting that is one way that we can make our lives, our words, and our hearts Christ-focused.  Because being a Christian is all about Him.  It’s even in the name.

Fear not, then stop hiding what we are.

Fear Not... Then Proclaim

Friday

…that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (I John 1:3 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Proclaim

I am not a good car salesman.  I point out the faults in my vehicle, when a prospective buyer comes to look.  I answer questions with answers that hurt my chances of selling my car.   In a way, it can be said that my goal of honesty outweighs my goal of profit.  And that’s probably not a bad thing.

“Successful” car salesmen need to keep the sale in the forefront of their mind.  Every word they utter, every facial expression they express, every connection they make, needs to be done with the idea of selling that car.

John reminds us of a Christian’s goal… bringing others into fellowship with God.  John has described his life with Jesus to others for that purpose: to bring others into fellowship with God.  John enthusiastically (‘proclaim’ is so much more than mere speaking!) has interacted with his audience for that purpose: to bring others into fellowship with God.  John does everything, in fact, for that purpose: to bring others into fellowship with God.

I’m not so sure I can say that, yet.  Certainly, that is why I write here.  Certainly, that is why I preach sermons.  Certainly, that is why I offer hope in counselling… but I have too many other goals weighing me down, pulling me away from that goal.

Tomorrow, though, I will try again.  I’ll focus my memory on what Jesus has said in His word, and has done throughout history, and has worked into my life, so that I will recall the goal.  To increase others’ fellowship with God.

That’s not a bad thing…

Fear not, then proclaim.

Fear Not... Then Spread Joy

And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete. (I John 1:4 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Spread Joy

Back in the day before instant news, I often was not very kind.  In school days, I enjoyed spreading bad news.  Ashamed today, I found pleasure in informing Dave that Star Trek had been cancelled.  I smiled as I told Steve that Boston had lost their star pitcher.  I enjoyed passing the news to Brad that The Beatles once more refused to reunite.

I do not think I was the only one.  I probably am still not the only one.

We even talk about God things in this way.  How grand, we say, will it be when Christ comes and destroys those who have despised Him!  How thrilling it is to note that God’s Word speaks against someone else’s hobby.  What strange joy we discover in our hearts when we see a popular leader, who we do not particularly care for, fall publicly in sin.

But John writes his letter for a different reason.  The news he gives is due to a different motivation.  The words he passes on have a different goal.

He writes to have full joy, both in himself AND his readers.

How winsome the gospel would be if we remembered his example.  If we spoke against others’ transgressions NOT to feel triump ourselves, but ONLY to drive people to the only solution: our wonderful Jesus.  If we present bad news ONLY to present also THE good news of Jesus Christ!  If we told grim stories ONLY to end such stories with the glories of Jesus, desiring others to find joy in Him, instead of fear of anything else.

Maybe we have forgotten the depth of our joy, making it hard to pass joy on to others…

Fear not, then spread joy.

Fear Not... Then Listen to the Angels Rejoice

Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Listen to the Angels Rejoice

Song artist Chris Rice sings a piece centering around a number of mysteries that he looks forward to asking God.  One of Rice’s questions addressed to God was, “Do you make angels laugh?”

I do not believe God tells the angels jokes, funny anecdotes, or watches earth as if it were that show, “America’s Funniest Videos.”  But I do believe angels laugh, because of what God does.

Not a laughter of mocking, a laughter of ridicule, or a laughter of superiority.

But a joyful laugh each time we turn towards Jesus, and away from ourselves.

Jesus’ words are not merely referring to sawdust-trail conversion experiences.  Although such repenting does give angels joy.

But more than that… more often than that… more necessary than that… more joyful than that… are the times that God’s people take another step towards Jesus.

It does not even have to be a huge momentous headline-producing step.

It can be when we remember to read His word instead of only watching you tube.  It can be when we forgive someone unforgivable.  It can be when we start to hate that habit we used to love.  It can be when we notice God’s mercy and thank Him.  It can be when we love someone else, using the Bible’s definition of love.  It can be when we remember to forget to remember those things of our old nature that God has forgotten.  It can be when we nod to Jesus’ words, instead of nod off.

Fear not… then listen to the angels rejoice.

Fear Not... Then Pray Like Solomon

Yet have regard to the prayer of your servant and to his plea, O Lord my God, listening to the cry and to the prayer that your servant prays before you, that your eyes may be open day and night toward this house, the place where you have promised to set your name, that you may listen to the prayer that your servant offers toward this place. (II Chronicles 6:19,20 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Pray Like Solomon

Solomon was a man who sinned.  We all remember his major sins, but we forget he was already sinning when Solomon finished building the temple.  And as Solomon organizes how to be in God’s Presence in the temple he presents a theme that can guide our prayers.

Because now Christians, not a building, are the temple of God. (I Corinthians 10:19)

We seem to think that prayer, as a salve for our fears, involves requests, need-expression, and expression of trust.  Those things are all fine things to include in our prayers.  But they are not Solomon’s recommend method when drawing near to the One True God as we cry out to Him.

Solomon mostly repents. 

The remainder of Solomon’s instructions for temple-ing look like this:

And listen from heaven your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive. (verse 21)

then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel (Verse 25)

then hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants (verse 27)

then hear from heaven your dwelling place and forgive (verse 30)

then hear from heaven your dwelling place their prayer and their pleas, and maintain their cause and forgive your people  (verse 39)

Whether you are ahead of your fear, in the midst of your fear, or after your fear… the way to approach God is to confess, repent, and know His extravagant, Christ-purchased forgiveness.

Fear not, the pray like Solomon

Fear Not... Then Flee

So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (II Timothy 2:22 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Flee

It was a cute little kitten.  You know the kind.  Soft fluffy furry face.  An upturned mouth that smiled with affection, attraction, and apple-pie niceness.

But when I reached down to gently stroke its ears… it opened a terrible jaw, clamped onto my hand with fanglike needlish teeth, and imitated rusty vice grip pliars.  To this day, I am not sure how I freed my wounded, pain-wracked, probably poisoned hand.

Young, cute, childlike things are not always safe, worthy, and desirable.

Paul warns young Timothy against living towards such things.  Children’s tantrums can be cute… until they are not.  Children’s begging can be cute… until it is not.  Children’s selfishness can bring smiles… until they do not.

Living in what seems like foolish faith might not seem attractive to our society.  But Paul claims it is better than childish arrogant self-trust.  Choosing love might not seem powerful to our society.  But Paul claims it is better than childish greedy self-concern.  Resting in peace might not seem successful to our society.  But Paul claims it is better than childish self-focused ambition.

Those things are worth fleeing, before they bite. 

Fear not, then flee.

Fear Not... and Close Your Eyes

My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not harmed me, (Daniel 6:22 ESV)

Fear Not… and Close Your Eyes

Our house had a den when I was growing up.  It contained a couch, a couple of chairs, a guinea pig tank, and a television set.  I have seen other similarly-purposed rooms in other folks’ homes.  Usually a den is comfortable, relaxing, and entertainment oriented.

Not so Daniel’s Den of Lions.

It was not comfortable, relaxing, or very entertaining.  Unless you were a lion.

But perhaps the biggest difference is that the lions’ den, if it had been constructed in the usual way such dens were made in the ancient middle east was dark. 

This was no interesting zoo exhibit.  It was probably a cave, with the entrance sealed.  Much like a tomb.  Purposefully. Dark and scary and dangerous.

So, imagine Daniel being put in that den.  And the door shut behind him.  He could not see the lions prowling, but he would hear them sniffing.  He could not see the lions’ hunger, but he could imagine it.  He could not see his danger, but he knew it was there.

But the darkness of that den allowed his faith to grow.  Because as terrifying as the lions might have been if he could have observed them, Daniel knew that God was more awesome even though Daniel had never seen Him.

And that faith allowed Daniel to draw some conclusions that were so true they ended up in the Bible.  God must have sent His angels to shut the lions’ mouth. 

Our fear often takes root and grows in the light, sound, texture, and odor perceived by our senses.  God’s folk tend to trust those senses more than we trust the spiritual assurance of God’s promises and love.  Maybe we’d find faith more graspable if we were not so sense sensitive.

Fear not, and close your eyes.

Fear Not... And Stop Working?

…and it was the duty of the trumpeters and singers to make themselves heard in unison in praise and thanksgiving to the Lord), and when the song was raised, with trumpets and cymbals and other musical instruments, in praise to the Lord, “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God. [1] (II Chronicles 5:13-14 ESV)

Fear Not and Stop Working?

I was supposed to be doing homework.  It was some sort of written assignment, in mid Spring.  My teachers had allowed me to miss a week of school to help drive my grandparents from Florida to Michigan.  And while in the car, if not taking my turn behind the wheel, I was writing, reading, or arithmaticking. 

On this particular day, we left the highway and parked the car as close as we could get to Cape Kennedy.  Because an engine for the space shuttle was being tested. 

The engine was as big as a house.  And not one of those tiny houses.  A two-story monstrosity with rocket fins instead of rainspouts. 

And after an interminable countdown, someone threw the switch.  I was in the middle of a sentence.  Probably some teenaged attempt at creative writing.  But it was my work, my job, my calling at that time.

But the explosive air-shattering glorious wonder of that shuttle engine drove all thought of work from my mind, my pen, and my eyes.

I stared in wonder.  Every bit of my attention held by the flames.  Every bit of my intentions altered momentarily by my amazement.  Every bit of my duty, responsibility, and obligation obliterated by the power, energy, and excitement of that engine.

That is what Solomon’s temple-workers experienced.  They still had work to do.  The temple had been completed, but the opening ceremony had only just begun.  And they had further work… ministerial work… holy work…

But it all stopped when they were suddenly aware of God’s presence. 

For them, it was signaled by a cloud.  Maybe smoke.  Maybe mysterious vision-altering atmosphere.  But it was not the cloud that awed them.  It was God’s Presence.

We foolishly think they had it better than us… because God’s presence was physically visible.

But I think we have it better.  We have the Spirit of God assuring us of God’s reality and power and love.  We have the full knowledge of Jesus’ salvific work assuring us of God’s justice and grace and love.  We have the Biblical record assuring us of God’s presence and providence and love.

And maybe… just maybe… that is a reason to look up from our work and be amazed instead of bored; awestruck instead of stuck; worshipful instead of dutiful.

Fear not, and stop working.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (2 Ch 5:13–14). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Fear Not... Then Give Thanks

We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.  (II Thessalonians 1:3 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Give Thanks

According to modern US Military doctrine, giving medals is the right thing to do.  General Pershing, top military commander during World War I declared that giving medals, the Army’s way of giving thanks, ensures soldierly actions. 

Perhaps Paul had this somewhat in mind when he told the Church in Thessalonia of his gratitude…. Paul even said that such expressions of thanks are the right thing to do.  And he observed that there is a connection between being thanked, growing in faith, and increasing in love.

I doubt God is motivated by our thanks, though.  Instead, the thanks we offer to God for each other brings the connection that Paul talks about.  When I am grateful for you, both of our faith improves.  When I am grateful for you, both of our love is nourished.

Fear lurks around dark corners.  But being thankful, and especially expressing that gratitude, is one of the best responses to fear.  Because yesterday, your fear was overcome.  Remembering that increases your faith right now.  Because yesterday, your fear was overcome.  Remembering that inspires us to selfless acts of love.  Because yesterday, your fear was overcome.  Remembering that connects us to God Himself, and His servants among us.

Fear not, then give thanks.

Fear Not... Then Let God Defend

Therefore he named it Galeed, and Mizpah, for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight. (Genesis 31:48, 49 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Let God Defend

Jacob and Laban did not trust each other.  Both had variously betrayed and taken advantage of the other.  And as Jacob left town, both did not look forward to looking over their shoulder in defense against the other for the rest of their lives.

So they set up a monument, and gave up their fear of reprisal and revenge to God.

They ask God to protect each other from each other.

What a great way to get rid of grudges, bad expectations, and mistrust.  Let God handle it.

Jesus came to bring justice.  True justice.  Not by being our bodyguard or revenger… but by taking the burden of our guilt on Himself.

At Mizpah, we do not see two friends parting, giving each other a piece of a broken heart on a necklace to remember each other. (Remember those inaccurate depictions of this story?) But instead, we see two men giving up their hatred and fear of each other… and asking God to somehow fix the broken relationship.

And God accomplished that by killing His Son, Jesus.  Jesus died for Jacob and Laban’s infidelity.  Jesus died for Jacob and Laban’s betrayals.  Jesus died for Jacob and Laban’s lies.  Jesus died for Jacob and Laban’s sins.

And thus Jesus took away the reasons for Jacob and Laban to fear each other.  Because they let Jesus handle it.  Which He did.

What Mizpahs do you need?  What mistrust and fear could you get rid of NOT by expecting and demanding the other person to change, but instead by asking Jesus to handle their betrayal, infidelity, lies, hatred, and sin exactly as He handled yours… on the cross.

Fear not, then let God defend.

Fear Not... Then Hang on Jesus' Coattails

Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of My holy name.  (Ezekiel 36:22 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Hang on Jesus’ Coattails

I have occasionally toyed with the idea of investing in the stock market.  Because of this, I receive some emails regularly giving advice.  I have noticed a particular pattern.  The best advice, stock market wise, comes from those who are investing themselves.   Because the advice they offer seems to benefit themselves as much as us.

At first glance, that might appear dangerous.  It might seem to suggest that the advisors are acting in their own interests, and not mine.  But the two coincide.  His interests can be my interests.

God restored Israel because it glorified His name.  It also benefited Israel, but that was not the point.  It is the frosting on the cake, the A-1 sauce on the steak, the Easter Egg after the movie, the embroidery on the blouse.

God restores us to Himself, through Jesus, to glorify His name.   He benefits first.  He gains the most.  He gets what He wants. 

We might not like the sound of that.  It presents God as selfish and petty.  But oh, it is not that way.  Because He is the One True God.  He is the All-holy, All-glorious, All-beautiful, All-perfect Lord of All of Heaven and All of Earth.  When we do things for ourselves, we are selfish and petty.  But when when God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit acts to display and claim glory, He acts in just the right way.  The perfect way.  The holy way.

And His glory WILL arrive.  His glory DOES happen.  His glory IS all around us.

And unnecessarily, but so very wonderfully, we share a part of it when we are a part of Him.

The only guarantee of success, peace, joy, and glory for us is found in clinging to Him.

Fear not, then hang on Jesus’ coattails.

Fear Not... Then Be Shepherded

For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.  As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. (Ezekiel 34:11,12 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be Shepherded

Road construction is the bane of modern travel.  But the absolute worst, often, are pilot cars.  We wait, and wait, and wait for them.  They lead us too swiftly or too slowly.  They look down on us, frowning as eventually we pass them.   They are the personal faces of the sorrow of road construction.

Part of it is, we do not like being told what to do, especially by someone who does not know us.

But there is a Pilot Car leading us.  God’s people are scattered throughout nations, states, cities, communities, businesses, occupations, families, clubs, associations and all manner of groups.  And some of those scattered places are pretty rough. 

God is bringing us back together, though.  Both in heaven, eventually, and on earth, gradually. 

And our Shepherd, Jesus, is leading us.

The road is difficult, painful, and confusing.  But our Shepherd knows the way.  And He is strong.  And He is loving.  And He is trustworthy.  Watching Him ahead of us takes away the reasons for fear on the road.

Thankfully, following the shepherd is not a matter of guessing where He wants us to step.  His Word is filled with guidelines, guidance, and guides.  His Word describes the dangers of the road, the broken paths to avoid, and the well-paved or grassy safety zones.

Fear not, then be shepherded.

Fear Not... Then Be in Christ

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. (Galatians 3:28,29 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be in Christ

The pendulum swings.

When I was young, we announced our national heritage to show that even though we were one nation, we had some unique qualities.  But today, we seem to announce our heritage to show and prove that we are not really united.  That our differences outweigh our unity.

When I was young, my community noticed hair color, height, weight, and even skin color to show that even though we were all humans, we had some unique qualities.  But today, we seem to notice those differences and find tiny unities in them, instead of holding to the foundational commonality of human nature.

When I was young, we sought fellowship, kindred-spirits, and togetherness, desiring to pull people together.  But today, we seem to favor uniqueness, individuality, and island-living, even in a crowd.

I wonder if these changes come from our claiming the wrong glue for unity.  We looked to citizenship, interests, goals, and familiarity.  We looked to common traits, common likes, and common habits.  We looked to a prideful unity, a powerful unity, and a pleasant unity.

When we should have been listening to Paul.

He says that the unity that counts is unity in Christ.  All other unity-claims are weak and destined for failure.

Jews and Greeks are no longer primary actors on the world stage.  Slaves have found empty freedom, and freefolk are enslaved in bonds of our own making.  Men and Woman strive for dominance and compete for every felt need, desire, or position. 

But Christ remains.

In Paul’s day, as well as in ours, Christ is the umbrella that brings the world together.  Christian men and Christian women are able to know love.  Christian politicians can have a united goal, even if disagreeing on some details.  Christian business owners, employers, employees, and self-employed can all find eternal profit and love-aimed practices and policies.

But it is really less complicated than that. 

Unity appears when Christ is King.

Fear not, then be in Christ.

Fear Not... Then Be Equipment

He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. (Luke 9:3,4 The Message)

Fear Not… Then Be the Equipment

Some jobs have necessary tools.  Dentists need drills.  Farmers need dirt. Teachers need books.  Cooks need ingredients. 

As Jesus sends His closest disciples out into the countryside to bring the Good News, He tells them to make sure they have the right equipment.  But Jesus does not tell them to bring tracts.  He does not load their minds up with memorized arguments.  He does not point them towards 78-inch televisions, power-point presentations, audio and light shows, or auditorium-filling strategies.

Because Jesus knows, that as useful as those things might be… the gospel is brought by people.

Nothing brings Jesus’ hope to the hopeless like YOU describing your hope.  Nothing brings a humble response to Jesus’ power like YOU bowing publicly before King Jesus.  Nothing brings Jesus’ light into dark corners like YOU shining in the midst of worry, fear, sin, and violence.  Nothing brings God’s love to the unlovely like YOU loving extravagantly.

Do you have hope? Then preach the gospel by showing it.  Do you have contentment in Christ? Then preach the gospel by showing it.  Do you have love from and for Jesus?  Then preach the gospel by showing it.

Anything else is fluff.

Fear not, then be the equipment.

Fear Not... Then Enjoy God's Adhectivies

The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.  (II Corinthians 13:14 The Message)

Fear Not… Then Enjoy God’s Adjectives

I laugh at some of the adjectives, implied or actual, that advertisers use to impress us.  Our laundry, with THIS detergent, will be SUNNY bright.  Our drives, with THIS car will be exhilarating.  Our experience, with THIS product will be unique, unlike anyone else’s.

But perhaps, unwittingly, those advertisers are mimicking God’s Word.

Hidden within the Greek vocabulary of most of Paul’s concluding words in his epistles, are adjectives.

It is not simply grace, it is amazing grace.  It is not simply love, it is extravagant love.  It is not merely fellowship, it is intimate fellowship.

These adjectives are hidden because the nouns grace, love, and fellowship are also used in common situations.  But God’s grace, God’s love, and God’s fellowship are exponentially more than any of our graces, loves, and fellowships.

And I am glad.

Because our grace becomes tainted, untrue, and weak… but God’s does not.  Because our love fails, turns sour, and drifts into selfishness… but God’s does not.  Because our fellowship becomes self-directed, entertainment oriented, and dull… but God’s does not.   

God’s relationship with us, secured and held fast by Christ’s bloody sacrifice, is the ideal that we yearn for in all of our relationships.  But our efforts fall short.  Sometimes we avoid deep relationships, in fact, because they haven’t turned out as we’d hoped, on both the giving and receiving sides.

When that happens, remember that there IS amazing grace, extravagant love, and intimate fellowship.

All in Jesus’ arms.

Fear not, then enjoy God’s adjectives.

Fear Not... Then Soldier On

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. (II Timothy 2:3 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Soldier On

I would not make a good soldier, sailor, or marine.  I enjoy my comfort too much.  I would ask the sergeant why the air conditioning in the tent was not working.  I would wonder at the absence of my daily dose of Diet Coke.  I would expect a rest every few hundred yards during the hike.

But I can understand that a willingness to suffer for a cause is a necessary quality for a soldier.

A soldier needs a willingness to put off comfort, to postpone reward, to endure pains small and large… all for the cause. 

Paul tells Timothy that serving Christ requires that, too.  Because we are soldiers of our King, Jesus. 

And just like an earthly soldier, we know Christ’s cause is higher than our personal desires, wants, and comforts.  Just like an earthly soldier, we know that our rest, our reward, our peace will arrive later, and will be grand.  Just like an earthly soldier, we are willing to put up with struggles, trials, pains, and sorrows. 

Because Jesus did.

Because Jesus expects us to.

Because Jesus asks us to.

Because we love Jesus.

Fear not, then soldier on.

Fear Not... Then Be Jealoused

Thus says the Lord of hosts: I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for her with great wrath (Zechariah 8:2 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be Jealoused

Until seventh grade, I was usually picked last for playground sports.  Uncoordinated, and disinterested Tommy did not make for a valuable member of sports-ball teams… whether football, basketball, kickball, baseball, or dodgeball.

But something happened in the seventh grade.  I had a new friend.

And even though John was no more interested in my sports-skills than anyone else was, he was committed to me.  He was interested in my emotional well-being.  He did not like it when others made fun of me, belittled me, or ignored me.  So, John worked on my behalf.  I never made it to first choice… but middle-pickings weren’t bad.

It was nice.

While I would not go so far as to say John was jealous for me, with even a small wrath… my experience helps me understand Zechariah’s words.

Not because I am skillful, or wise, or knowledgeable… but simply and profoundly because Jesus chose to love me, the created universe tends to be on my side.  It does not choose me last.  It does not make fun of me, belittle me, or ignore me.  Not in any true way that matters.

But God, the One True God, the Loving God is jealous for me. 

Old habits stop me from noticing… my selfish demand for MORE of God’s jealousy on my behalf makes me blind… my  immaturity still drives me to want to be picked FIRST…

But He is jealous for me, a part of His Zion.

What else do I need?

Fear not, then be jealoused.

Fear Not... Then Be God's People

And I will put this third into the fire, and refine them as one refines silver, and test them as gold is tested. They will call upon My name, and I will answer them. I will say, ‘They are My people’; and they will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ” (Zechariah 13:9 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be God’s People

I do not know exactly what God is doing to America lately.  But we do not need to know.  Because He is not first and foremost doing anything to America.  He has something else in mind.

Because Zechariah is actually describing what God is doing to His people, the church.  In recent years, we might have gotten our labels mixed up.  Rather than call ourselves Christians who are Americans… our disposition has become to call ourselves Americans who are Christians.  We do this inappropriately in many areas.  We call ourselves  Men or Women who are christians rather than Christian men or women.  We call ourselves Farmers, or Doctors, or Teachers who are christians, rather than Christians who are farmers, or doctors, or teachers.  We call ourselves Conservative or Liberal christians, rather than Christians who are conservative or liberal.

The heat and stress of our present culture is indeed like a refining fire.  But God tells us that the purpose of that fire is to drive us to call repeatedly on His name, and to declare ourselves His people.  His people first.  His people primarily.  His people definitively. 

All those other labels are dross.  The junk that gets burned away in a refining fire.

Fear Not… Then Be God’s People.

Fear Not... Then Follow the Shepherd

Therefore the people wander like sheep; they are afflicted for lack of a shepherd. [1] (Zechariah 10:2 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Follow the Shepherd

The US Armed Forces, in the years of the Cold War, had a plan.  If our forces ever engaged the Soviet forces, we were instructed to concentrate fire at the tanks with the largest antennae.  Because those tanks housed the Soviet Commanders.

Our side expected that if we could take out their leadership, they would wander like sheep.

It probably would have worked.

Maybe it seems like we have lost our leadership, whether in terms of the government, the church, or the family.  Our leaders are falling, displaying clay feet.  Our leaders are falling, displayed in poor decisions.  Our leaders are falling, as they display more selfishness than servants’ hearts.

But while that makes life frustrating, it should not really be a problem.

Because the State, Church, and Family leaders are not our shepherds.

We have one Shepherd and He does not fail us.

If we wander, it is because we have been following the wrong shepherd.  If we worry, it is because we have been following the wrong shepherd.  If we are afraid, it is because we have been following the wrong shepherd. 

Fear not, then follow the Shepherd.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Zec 10:2). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

Fear Not... Then Faith

“Behold, his soul is puffed up; it is not upright within him, but the righteous shall live by his faith.  (Habakkuk 2:4 ESV)

 Fear Not… Then Faith

I recently dreamt that I had to perform brain surgery on a friend.  Dream circumstances conspired to make such surgery an absolute necessity, but my dream did not provide me with brain surgery skills.  I knelt next to my brain-damaged friend with a scalpel in my hand and looked at the X on his forehead.

And I was afraid.

A lot of fear comes from our awareness that we have things we must do, that are outside of our ability.  Probably not brain surgery, but we find ourselves in that situation frequently.  And it brings us fear.

Even more afraid of brain surgery, I might be afraid of death… or my sins’ effects on everything… or my ability to overcome sin.  I might not be facing an X with a scalpel, but death, sins’ effects, and sin itself are more beyond my control than I usually like to admit.

And that is where Habakkuk applies faith.  We can not handle those things.  But faith connects us to the One who not only can, but He has.

It takes humility to admit we can not do it… and faith is the path to humility.  It takes trust to let Jesus repave the rocky road to death… and faith is the path to trust.  It takes knowledge to understand how Jesus solves sin, sins’ effects, and death… and faith is the path to knowledge.

Fear not, then faith.