Fear Not... Then Get Along

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord (Philippians 4:1 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Get Along

We do not know what possible conflict existed between Euodia and Syntyche.

  Perhaps the conflict revolved around who had the worst name to rhyme with in poetry, or how to pronounce each other’s name, or even something more trivial.  But Paul takes them to task.  He entreats them to agree in the Lord.

That does not mean Paul wants them to agree about everything.  It means that in their pyramid of ideas, beliefs, and concepts, the Lord is at the top and the bottom.  The things between the foundation of the Lord, and the pinnacle of the Lord are simply not as important.

And the same is true for us.  When Christians are firmly in agreement that Christ is King, other matters are minimized.  Other matters are not erased, or forgotten, or ignored.  But Christ is King!

Perhaps those other matters about which we seem to disagree are not really disagreements at all.  But rather an interesting and enjoyable discussion about fascinating facets of the topic at hand.

Disagreeing can be uncomfortable, particularly when we are disagreeing about important matters.  But the more we realize unity in foundation and pinnacle, the more insignificant those other areas become… and the more peace will result.

Fear not, then get along.

Fear Not... Then Be Loud

The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ’s praise as we do it. (Philippians 3:3 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be Loud

Explorer Christopher Columbus receives a lot of flack in recent years, perhaps for some good reasons.  He, like us, was sinful.  But Christopher did at least one thing right.  He followed Philippians 3:3.

Every morning, as the sailors realized they had survived another dangerous night at sea, Columbus praised Christ.  Every evening, as the sailors realized they had survived another dangerous day at sea, Columbus praised Christ.  Every land, newly seen by European eyes, was announced to be the result of Christ’s protection, provision, and power.  Every land, while perhaps presumptuously claimed for a European Monarch, was also properly and hopefully claimed as a place for Christ’s Kingdom to expand.  Every treasure, every resource, every thing of beauty was claimed not merely for Spain, but as a part of the glorious work of the Creator God.

Columbus loudly and repeatedly filled the air with Christ’s praise as Columbus did the labor to which he believed Christ called him.

Our tasks, like Columbus’ are often daunting, unsure, and a potential cause of fear.  But loudly praising Christ beforehand, during, and afterwards changes the narrative.  Acknowledging that our work is really His work can remove our insecurity.  Giving Christ credit for the daily small successes we might have enables us to trust Him though the daily small failures we might experience.  Praising Christ loudly for what we’ve had a hand in even enables us to avoid the shoals of pride, self-focus, and self-reliance.

From our birth, to our rebirth, to our working out our salvation, it is Christ who is at work.

Fear not, then be loud.

Fear Not... Then Surrender

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,  but emptied Himself… (Philippians 2:4-7 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Surrender

When I was a telephone salesman, I spent most of my time afraid.  As the manager, my sales numbers had to be the highest.  When customers chose not to purchase our product, I was expected to concoct answers to their objections.  My knowledge had to be higher than anyone else at the company, regarding product information, shipping times, guarantees, warrantees, or legalese.  I saw myself at the top of Chemron Inc.’s pyramid, and I was usually afraid that something would happen to tip me back towards the bottom.

If only I had remembered Paul’s words.  Paul points out that Jesus was at the top of every possible pyramid.  Yet He chose to lower Himself, to humble Himself, to empty Himself of His authority, His position, and His power.

I am enough of a capitalist to appreciate the value of healthy competition.  I am enough of a college football fan to appreciate the potential joys of competition.  I am enough of a creative perfectionist to appreciate the inspiration often found in competition. 

But I am enough of a Christian to acknowledge that those competitions also are the source of fear.

Jesus, the acknowledged champion of the universe, put aside all the high things He was entitled to and chose to lift His people up, instead of Himself.  We know that about Him, and we attempt to emulate this humility, this compassion, and this love.

But Jesus’ choice also puts an end to fear.

To begin with, Jesus, being at the top, and choosing to relinquish that top-ness, had nothing to fear.  No one could ever take from Him what He voluntarily surrendered out of love.  And then, we get to copy Him.

It starts with our acknowledgement that HE is the source of every position, possession, and power we claim.  After we understand that, we’ll find that we do not need to protect those positions, possessions, and powers. We do not need to cling to those positions, possessions, and powers. We do not need to preserve those positions, possessions, and powers.  We do not need to worry about those positions, possessions, and powers. 

And therefore, we lose a lot of the foundations for our daily fears.

Fear not, then surrender

Fear Not... Then Belong

But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! (Matthew 12:48, 49 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Belong

I have joined a few odd clubs and groups over the years.  I joined the Jane Daane Recess Walking Club, I joined the Grand Rapids Are Rock and Mineral Society.  I joined the Non-Physical Olympic Society.  I joined the Calvin College Psychology Department Club.  I joined the Maryborough and Vicinity Creative Writing Club.  I joined the Friends of the Outcast Australian Christian Bikers Association.   I joined the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

I was not qualified for most of them.

I have tried to connect with famous sports stars, like Deshaun Watson of the Clemson Tigers.  I have tried to meet celebrities like Mr. Kincaid from the Partridge Family and William Shatner of Star Trek. 

I have no reason to form any sort of relationship with any of them.

I have formed dangerous friendships.  I have courted associations with people I share nothing in common with.  I have accepted and sought Facebook friends for all the wrong reasons.

I have known better.  I have understood my poor motivations.  I have done these things anyway.

Why is this such an attractive slippery slope?  Simply, I want to belong.

And when I feel like I do not belong, it is because I have forgotten where I DO belong.

I have a brother, you see, like no other.  Jesus points at me, too, and makes me a part, so that I am never apart.  The One who has bought me ensures that I am never just one.

There is only one filling for the donut hole in my heart.  Jesus says I am with Him.  Jesus says He is my family.  Jesus says He will never leave me, forsake me, abandon me, get bored with me, refuse to forgive me, push me away from Him, or leave me alone.

Fear not, then belong

Fear Not... Then Heaven

Jesus said, “Marriage is a major preoccupation here, but not there. (Luke 20:34 The Message)

Fear Not... Then Heaven

I attended a wedding recently, and later received a text message from a friend, “Did you see me at the wedding?”

I had not noticed that friend.

For one reason:  At the wedding, I was at the wedding.

Of course, I glanced around occasionally.  Of course, I noticed random secondary and tertiary things… but mostly I was at the wedding.

When Jesus answers a question about whether we will have marriage in heaven, He answers in a way that might seem disappointing.  No marriage in heaven?  But I love my wife! But Jesus is not saying that marriage is not important, or that we will not have anything to do with earthly spouses in heaven.

No, Jesus is reminding us how AMAZING heaven will be!

As precious as my deceased loved ones might be, I do not believe I will give much attention to them in heaven.  As wonderful as full knowledge in heaven might be, I do not believe I will desire to be contemplating philosophical questions in heaven.  As joyful as my made-perfect body will be upon my resurrection, I do not believe I will be testing my eyesight or blood sugar levels.

My attention, my heart, my eyes, will be, I expect, on God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

I do not understand or grasp that yet.  But then, joyfully, excitedly, completely, perfectly, I will see Him.

Nothing else will matter.  Because He will be as everything.

Even now, at times, that puts my present focus on troubles, difficulties, worries, and pains in focus.

Fear not, then heaven.

Fear Not... Then Be Patient

A young Hebrew was there with us, a servant of the captain of the guard. When we told him, he interpreted our dreams to us, giving an interpretation to each man according to his dream. (Genesis 41:12 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be Patient

A few months ago we bought some extendable Marshmello roasting forks.  Gradually, the pile of forks moved from the kitchen counter, to the entrance-way table, to the front porch, to the storage trunk.  And… there… they… stayed.

I will not quite say that we forgot about those forks.  But I also can not say we remembered them.

Then we had some friends over for a S’mores night.  And suddenly those forks were brought out, to much fanfare.  Those forks, long languishing in the trunk, now were useful, necessary, and popular!  Suddenly they were noticed, elevated, and praised.

IF those roasting forks could think, feel, and speak… I think I know what they would have thought, felt, and said.   While waiting, “when will the Pennings remember us? Here we wait, forgotten, disrespected, and useless…”  But when they were brought out and anointed with Marshmellos?  They would have said, “Our patience has born fruit!  We wait no longer! We should have known we were not forgotten!”

Joseph would have understood those forks.  He knew what it was like to be useful but forgotten, important but neglected, valuable but ignored.

God has a use for each of us that is better than merely roasting Marshmellos.  He has a job for each of us in His kingdom.  He has a fantastic purpose for each of us… even when it seems we have been forgotten.

I do not know what God is waiting for.  But His planning is better than mine.  His organization is better than mine.  His understanding of the times is better than mine.

The forks were patient and saved the S’mores.  Joseph was patient and saved his family.  The second Person of the Trinity was patient and saved His people. 

Fear not, then be patient.

Fear Not... Then Be Free

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ.  And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (Philippians 1:12-14 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be Free

Paul wrote the epistle to the Philippians while he was in prison. 

Modern Christians in places like Myanmar, China, North Korea, and Afghanistan are being arrested and imprisoned.  And as some observe trends even in the USA, imprisonment for Christians is becoming more likely.  I do not mention this to make us nervous.  But instead, to keep prison-dwelling in perspective.

Paul was unjustly imprisoned, but we do not hear him complain.

Paul’s rights were infringed upon, but we do not hear him complain.

Paul had lost freedom, but we do not hear him complain.

Instead, while in prison, Paul talked about Jesus.  Paul bragged about Jesus.  Paul sang about Jesus.  Paul pointed even guards towards Jesus.

For Paul, that was the freedom that mattered.  Not freedom politically, not freedom economically, not freedom artistically… but the freedom Paul knew through Jesus’ grace.

Every situation that surrounds us is a chance to talk about Jesus.  Every difficulty we endure is a chance to talk about Jesus.  Every blessing we notice is a chance to talk about Jesus. 

No matter how bad things might get… no matter how good things might get… freedom in Christ bubbles out of our lips freely.  Even if such talk becomes illegal.  Even if such talk has costly consequences.  Even if such talk brings about the loss of every other freedom that we hold dear.

Fear not, then be free.

Fear Not... Then Be Loved

Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love incorruptible. (Ephesians 6:24 ESV)

Fear Not… Then Be Loved

Many years ago, we bought a pop-up camper.  Our intentions were good, but we have not made use of it as we had hoped.  But recently, we decided to clean it up, and do some camping! 

When we popped it up, however, we found that the camper needed more than a cleaning.  The canvas had become frayed, the plastic windows had become holey, and various animal visitors had done various animal damages.

The camper had been corrupted.

Most things in our lives become corrupted.  Money declines in value, old gasoline becomes varnish, clothes become strangely too small, and even friendships and relationships tend to break down, if untended.

But the love connection between Jesus and His people is not only uncorrupted, it is incorruptible!

If we doubt that, if we are surprised by that, if we do not think we see that, it is usually because we forget what love really is, Biblically.  The kind of ‘love’ we are used to is conditional.  Usually more conditional than we like to admit.  Movies and literature constantly hint that love is temporary, unsure, and fades.  We think and act like love must be earned, deserved, or proven.

But that is not Jesus’ love.  That love is unconditional, irrevocable, and incorruptible.  He does not love us because of our thoughts, words, or deeds.  He loves us because He loves us.  And the love that we have for HIM, empowered as it is by HIS love, works the same way.

Campers decay, bank accounts deflate, and we get tired of our favorite television shows.  But every time those things happen, every time those things make us afraid… remember Jesus incorruptible love.

Fear not… then be loved.

Fear Not... Then Sing

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16 ESV)

Fear Not...Then Sing

I do not enjoy drinking water.  I am not sure if it is a personally quirk, a genetic irregularity, an environmental oddity, or just personal choice.  But I do not enjoy drinking water.

But I still drink water.  I drink it in Diet Coke, I drink it in iced tea, I drink it in coffee, I drink it in fruit juice, and I drink a tiny bit of it in alcohol.  I understand that without water, my body would die.  I consume it, even in mixed forms, because it is necessary.

Lately, on days of particular weather, at times when it is convenient, or when for some reason, it simply sounds good, I have chosen to drink water, and I have smiled.  It is not so bad, maybe.

I know some folk who do not enjoy music.  I am not sure if it is a personality quirk, a genetic irregularity, an environmental oddity, or just personal choice.  But they do not enjoy music.

Paul urges them to partake anyway.  Because it is good for us.  Maybe even because it is necessary.  Sometimes we whistle when we are afraid.  Sometimes we hum along with the radio in a moment of crises.  Sometimes we remember songs when we are emotionally struggling.  And all of those are good music options.

But Paul urges us particularly to use music after the struggles, problems, pains, worries, and fears are gone.  He instructs us to use music to give thanks to God.

Music does sooth our passions, righteous and unrighteous.  Music does inspire us to continue the good fight.  Music does help us find strength, and hope, and maybe even faith.

But music is also a great way to express our gratitude.  The disciples sang a hymn when leaving the first Lord’s Supper.  (Matthew 26:30) Miriam led the Israelites in singing after the crossing of the Red Sea. (Exodus 15:21)  And Paul breaks out in song when he is overwhelmed by a fresh understanding of God’s Grace. (Romans 11:33-36)

I do not really understand it.  But God uses music to speak to us, and for us to speak to Him.  Particularly in the calm after the storm.  Stop and sing today!

Fear not, then sing

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.