Do not be afraid
Why should cross and trial grieve me?
Christ is near with his cheer; never will he leave me. Paul Gerhardt
Read Revelation 1:9—18
How many times in my Bible am I told, or is someone told, ‘Do not be afraid’? The Angel to Zechariah, announcing the birth of John the Baptist;[1] the angel to Mary, promising the birth of Jesus;[2] the angel to Joseph, telling him to take Mary as wife;[3] the angel to the shepherds, announcing the Saviour’s birth;[4] Jesus to Simon, declaring that he would fish for people;[5] Jesus, about those who can kill you;[6] or about almost anyone you may dread;[7] or during the storm at sea;[8] because your Father will give you the kingdom you need not strive for what you fear to lose;[9] the angels, again, at the resurrection of Jesus;[10] an angel of God to Paul as his ship sinks under him.[11] To all of them the command is: ‘Do not be afraid!’ He says this to me tonight through John of Patmos because Jesus has been dead, truly dead, and now is alive. Even death does not appal Jesus.
Lord, I need your word. ‘Do not be afraid.’ I need that. As I survey those to whom you said it, I see fear of death. I know that fear. Fear of shipwreck. Fear of losing home comforts. Fear of losing people. Fear of facing people while I bring them the story of Jesus. I know that fear. I pray that I may meet every fear in Jesus’ name; him holding me, me abiding in him. But the biggest fear I see I most certainly cannot face without him. It is the fear of encounter with God. For that especially I thank you, that Jesus, Lord of life and death, says, ‘Do not be afraid. I am with you.’
[1]Luke 1:13
[2]Luke 1:30
[3]Matthew 1:20
[4]Luke 2:10
[5]Luke 5:10
[6]Matthew 10:28
[7]Matthew 10:26,31
[8]Mark 6:50
[9]Luke 12:32
[10]Matthew 28:10
[11]Acts 27:24