seems to be the air we breathe, these days. COVID-19, politics, chronic illness, persecution of Christians, increasing violence…. Reason enough to fear, so it seems. Jesus, however, lumps these as FEAR NOT items. He says to fear ONLY that which can kill our soul and keep us from heaven. With these two options for fear, Jesus pushes Christian courage. As Martin Luther wrote:
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still. His Kingdom is forever!
It’s been roughly a year since I was diagnosed with stage-4 lung cancer. This Christmas Eve, a friend told me how thankful she was that I had made it to another Christmas. I too am surprised, given the bleak outlook a year ago. I’ve been taking a med that has beat back the tumors, but it remains a matter of time. My body will most certainly die, but because my fear is rightly placed, I look forward to spending all eternity with my Savior in the Kingdom that is forever.
~COVID-19, as well as cancer, can kill. FEAR NOT.
~Politics is grievously divisive . FEAR NOT.
~Attacks on Christians are increasing. FEAR NOT.
~Age debilitates. FEAR NOT.
~Too busy to bother with even virtual church? FEAR.
~Caught up in destructive behavioral patterns? FEAR.
~Worshiping at the altar of Money, Pleasure, Entertainment? FEAR.
~Can’t get along with anyone—spouse, co-workers, relatives? FEAR.
I may well die within this coming year and am perhaps hoping so. Being on the cusp of death is not exactly fun.
BUT:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness…. On Christ the solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine! Alive in Him, my living head, and clothed in righteousness divine. Bold I approach the eternal throne and claim the crown, through Christ my own.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secure; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
Indeed!
FEAR NOT!
What are you afraid of? Can you articulate your hopes and fears? I’d love to hear your thoughts, either via egus@me.com or below on the website.
Ellie,
Thanks for the good, comforting word. The words from this hymn are strong theology. Blessings on you both.
While I do have “the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of my great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13), I am sometimes concerned (not afraid) of making sure I am in His will. Seems like I’m doing a lot of writing these days, as I just finished my fourth book, “Acting with Luke,” A Bible study of Acts 1-14, am doing some supply preaching, teaching a class on “Sanctification” and writing a daily blog. Love to you both,
Doug & Judy
Thanks much, Doug, for your comment! If you’re loving our Lord, you’re in His will. Keep writing, and I look forward to hearing more about Acting With Luke.
Excellent application of our Lord’s Words, Ellie the Wise!
~COVID-19, as well as cancer, can kill. FEAR NOT.
~Politics is grievously divisive . FEAR NOT.
~Attacks on Christians are increasing. FEAR NOT.
~Age debilitates. FEAR NOT.
~Too busy to bother with even virtual church? FEAR.
~Caught up in destructive behavioral patterns? FEAR.
~Worshiping at the altar of Money, Pleasure, Entertainment? FEAR.
~Can’t get along with anyone—spouse, co-workers, relatives? FEAR
Thanks much, Allacin, for your good words, but I take issue w/ “Ellie the Wise.” Where we’re going, we’ll be greatly overshadowed by the REALLY wise! : )
Yes, our Hope is built on nothing less ( I.e. vaccines, masks, social distancing) …. thank you again for your very timely message.
Well done
If you beat us there, hold the door open. We’ll do the same for you two. Love J’n’B
Definitely NO FEAR about meeting up with you two—soon and very soon!
Thank you, Ellie!
I love your spiritual wisdom in the reality of the everlasting hope of what is to come to me one day. Until then, I shall fear not. My creator, the author of who I am in this life holds the key to everlasting life with him. Jesus is my living water. Thank you Ellie. I love you dearly. ❤
Thanks much, Deb, for your kind words. We do have a HOPE that will not fail us, no matter how dark things get. Hang onto that key and the Living Water!
Thank you so much Ellie. Our greatest comfort is in the Lord. Days, Months and Years comes with it’s own challenges, but we need to remain firm in Jesus. Sufferings is for a short while but in heaven, there is nothing to fear. We’ll forever be with JESUS.
Thanks, Hillary. Your sufferings there in Kenya are probably more than ours here in the States, but Jesus remains our constant and mutual source of safety and long-term comfort. Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Thank you Ellie for your continued sharing of wisdom and Biblical truths we need to be reminded about. Yes, the words Martin Luther penned are very comforting…” My hope is built on nothing less …” Hope is not built principally on masks, social distancing, vaccines…etc. at this unprecedented time but on Jesus blood and righteousness.
Yes, Dotty, you got the main and very sharp point: Our trust is in the Lord Most High and NOTHING else! Thank you!