Monday, May 24, 2010

So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
- Matthew 10:31

The phrase fear not or do not be afraid or have no fear appears three times in this short passage in Matthew 10:26-31. Various sources indicate that some form of the phrase fear not appears 365 times in the Bible—an encouragement for every day of the year.

I have written several times in Castleviews over the last few years about not being afraid. Certainly fear is a normal part of life. I don’t think the scriptures are saying never be afraid, but don’t fear the wrong things. In this passage in Matthew Jesus says, Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

In the most recent Newsweek (May 24 & 31, 2010) on the last page there is a list of the kinds of things people fear. Across from the list of those things we fear most is another list that generates far less fear yet has more potential for damage. Among those listed were 2.2 million burglaries versus 8.3 million identity thefts; 33 Americans killed by terrorist attacks verses 36,171 who die from seasonal flu; etc.

The point is made both by this scripture and this article that we often fear the wrong things. Jesus was making the same point—we fear for our bodies but not our souls. We so easily forget that these souls of ours are eternal—handle with care.

So, today care for your soul by laying aside some fear that has gripped you for too long. Lay that fear in the lap of God and let God care for it. As the scripture says, God is love . . . and there is no fear in love, but perfect love (the love God has for us) casts out fear (1 John 4:8, 18).

Prayer
Almighty and loving God, the world is ever with me and seems to shout in my ear that I should be afraid. Help me to be aware this day of your perfect love that I may lay aside my fears and serve you to the glory of Jesus the Christ. Amen.

C. Mac Hamon, Senior Pastor
Castleton United Methodist Church
Indianapolis, Indiana
05.24.10