Fear Is A Liar


The first book of the Bible I ever read was Revelation. Why I started at the back of the book I'm not completely sure. Dragons, beasts, fire, and the end of times just pulled me in. I'm not sure I really understood much, but I was awed by it all. 
The book begins with John exiled on the Isle of Patmos. Church history tells us John had been immersed in boiling oil, but had suffered no harm before being taken there. Alone in prayer one day he hears a voice and turns to see who is speaking to him. There stands Jesus. John writes, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: 'Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last'." Revelation 1:17.
Let me tell you what John's not afraid of...Jesus. When Jesus says, "Do not be afraid," He can't possible mean do not be afraid of me. John never would have been afraid of Jesus. He loves Jesus. He lived with Jesus and traveled for three years in ministry. Jesus is his best friend. I could be in the worst situation of my life and if I turned and saw my good friend who I hadn't seen in years standing there I wouldn't be afraid. I'd be elated. "You're here!"
Jesus also wouldn't have said, "Do not be afraid," if there was nothing to be afraid of. If everything was fine and my friend told me not to be afraid it wouldn't even make any sense. John is afraid, but not of Jesus. He's alone at the end of his life, and separate from those he loves. He's trapped on an island he can't get off of, and no one can get to him. He's afraid.
Life can be pretty scary at times. There doesn't have to be a cauldron of boiling oil, or an island of exile involved. All it takes is to feel out of control. It's into an out of control situation that Jesus walks in. He still does this. He shows up on our islands and assures us, as He did John, that He is the first and the last. He's saying, I was there when all this started and I'll be there when it's over. You don't have to be afraid. I'm with you.
On top of that, He then goes on to give him his Revelation. I have a feeling John may have thought his writing days were over once he was dropped off on a deserted island. God had another plan. 
When life deals you a blow that leaves you fearful of tomorrow, and perhaps feeling like you're finished know that God never views your situation that way. It is into these most unlikely of circumstances when Jesus walks in and says, "Don't be afraid, now let's get to work. There's something else I need for you to do."

Following the Son,

James A Williams

P.S. You'd never believe anyone who has lied to you as often as your fears have. And how can we doubt someone who has been as faithful to us as God?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Had What I Needed Today. I Always Do.

Image
Where’s the checkbook? I had searched high and low, and hadn’t been able to locate one. We rarely use checks for anything anymore, but I found myself in need of one. With my wife out of town I had called for some help. Sarai described to me where I would find them. In a red bag on top of a yellow bag under some sweaters beside the hamper in the spare bedroom. You may wonder why this is where we keep our checkbook. I may wonder why this is where we keep our checkbook. But after 28 years of marriage I’ve learned to not ask too many questions, and to stick primarily to nodding and smiling. I told her I loved her, followed the instructions, and soon had the checkbook in hand. Hmm? Next to the checkbook was a small blue folder that I immediately recognized. It’s where we keep our passports. I was a little surprised to find it here, because my wife was in Puerto Rico. You don’t need a passport to go to Puerto Rico, but my wife almost always carries hers with her when she travels. I
Read more

It’s My Turn To Be The Pop

Image
“ Children's children are a crown.” Proverbs 17:6 One year ago today my phone rang. I was looking forward to this call. “Hey, Dad. How are you?” “I’m alright.” (Standard response) He wasn’t alright. The cancer, chemo, and treatments had taken such a toll on him. This was Josiah’s birthday though. His first birthday. My Dad always called everyone in the family on their birthday and sang to them. He never missed anyone’s. It wasn’t pretty, and became a comical family joke yet we all looked forward to it.  I called for my son, Nathaniel, who brought his son, Josiah, over to the phone. I held the phone to Josiah’s ear and Nathaniel and I pressed in as we all listened to Dad sing. His voice was raspy and labored. Josiah’s eyes danced. Nathaniel and I smiled and laughed. Tears filled my eyes. He couldn’t stay on the phone long. He tired quickly and speaking was difficult. Josiah’s first time hearing his great grandfather sing Happy Birthday would also be his la
Read more

Christmas Reactions: A Look At The Responses To Jesus' Birth

Image
The reactions of children on Christmas morning can be priceless. The way their faces light up in response to the gifts, decorations, and lights communicates such wonder and awe. I have a grandson who is closing in on two. Sometimes when he sees things he literally gasps. So much of the world is still new to him. Just as I love a child's reaction, I love the reactions in the Christmas story to those who encountered the Christ child. The Bible uses specific words to describe many of the responses to seeing a baby unlike one they'd ever seen before, and the events surrounding his birth. Consider a few with me. Mary, " treasured ." (Luke 2:19) Mary so valued what was taking place that she "kept it in her heart." She would never forget these moments, and no doubt would draw strength from them later. Joseph, " marveled ." (Luke 2:33) From the beginning it had been too much to take in. He couldn't really wrap his brain around the m
Read more