“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV)
Every day, whether you look online, watch the news on television, or listen to it on the radio, one knows the world is a dangerous place. Daily, we hear about Ebola, beheadings, suicide bombers, foiled terrorist plots, murders, massive protests leading to violence, kidnappings, child molestation, and on and on it goes. It is enough to make us paralyzed by fear. And, sadly, many who follow Jesus are deeply afraid.
For many years I have led college students on mission trips to various parts of the world. Every time, there are students who do not go because of fear—much of the time, the fear of their Christian parents. The fear of what might happen consumes them, and often leads them to missing out on some wonderful and life-changing experiences.
What seems to be at work is the belief that we are safe when we are in comfortable, familiar surroundings. To leave these confines of perceived safety will open one up to all kinds of dangers. Yet, we know by experience that dangers lurk close to home, whether it be car accidents, slipping and falling on a steep trail, or a home invasion. The truth is we live in a world full of dangers and that has been true since the Fall of the humanity. For with sin came danger, from nature and from ourselves.
Yet, as followers of Jesus, we need to remember He stepped into this world, with all of its dangers, and said to His disciples and to us: “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” We do not need to fear Ebola, terrorists, world unrest, or what might happen to us if we step out of our familiar, comfortable surroundings. For Jesus is always present with us. This does not mean that, as followers of Jesus, we are immune to danger. Throughout history, Christians have suffered, been tortured, and have died. The peace of which Jesus is speaking is one that sustains us in the midst of trouble and makes us confident to follow Him regardless of where He leads. We don’t shrink back just because there is the potential for danger, if that is where He is leading us. Instead, we go in confidence and peace, knowing He is with us and there is safety in His presence.
Today, though you live in a dangerous world, know you do not need to be afraid. Instead, be at peace, for Jesus is right here with you and He will protect you.
© Jim Musser 2014
1 comment:
Our church is in the middle of a book study - SOUL DETOX by Craig Groeschel. Last week's topic was "Scare Pollution". Identifying our fears is difficult.
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