ππΎππΎππΎ About #fear
Dear members of John's Repentance service, grace and peace be with you all. Today, we bring you a profound lesson on the topic of fearβa lesson that can transform your relationship with God and grant you eternal value. As we delve into this teaching, let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul, who declared, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).
Fear, my beloved, is a powerful force that often keeps us away from experiencing the fullness of God's love and presence in our lives. It is an insidious barrier that seeks to separate us from the divine truths and promises that are freely bestowed upon us. It is fear that instills doubt within us, casting shadows of uncertainty and hesitancy upon the path we tread.
In the scriptures, we encounter stories of faithful individuals who faced fear head-on, triumphing over its grip and emerging as beacons of unwavering devotion. Mary Magdalene, a woman of great faith, stood fearless before the armed Roman soldiers guarding the tomb of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While others cowered in fear, she became the first witness to the glorious resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10).
Similarly, we learn of the three young boys who defied the powerful king Nebuchadnezzar. They refused to bow down to the image erected by the king, even when threatened with the fiery furnace. Their unwavering faith in God shielded them from the scorching flames, as the angel of the Lord came to their rescue (Daniel 3:1-30).
Saint George, known for his courageous spirit, fearlessly proclaimed his allegiance to God, even in the face of persecution. Presented with a millstone to grind a blade for his execution, he persevered, standing as a testament to his unyielding faith. His steadfastness transformed the heart of King Dudianus, who, in shame and fear, bore witness to God's divinity.
Consider the apostle John, who, when others succumbed to fear and fled, remained steadfast, accompanying Jesus to Calvary (John 19:26). In times of ease and joy, many profess their faith, but it is during times of trial and tribulation that true followers are revealed. Christ, burdened with the weight of the cross, found no one to comfort Him as He stumbled and fell along the arduous path.
Therefore, we implore you, our dear members, to cast off the shackles of fear and embrace the unwavering trust that should define our relationship with the Almighty. Let not your hearts be troubled by the challenges and uncertainties that surround us. We have been entrusted with the divine task of bearing witness to the Word of God without fear or hesitation. Embrace this calling, for it is worthy of the Lord Himself.
Take solace in the example of Aaron, the brother of Prophet Moses. Faced with the demands of a fearful people, he succumbed to their desires, fashioning a golden calf as an object of worship (Exodus 32:1-35). The fear that gripped Aaron caused him to stray from the path of righteousness, leading the Israelites astray. It is this kind of fear, born of doubt and insecurity, that we must eradicate from our hearts.
Even the apostles, in their weakness, succumbed to fear. They fled, discarding their garments, when confronted with the imminent arrest of Jesus. Fear led Peter to deny his Lord three times (Mark 14:50-52, 86-91). However, in the temporary nature of their fear, there arose an opportunity for repentance and restoration.
Let us, therefore, exercise caution, my brethren, so as not to allow this fleeting fear to become a hindrance to our repentance. May we not be deceived into believing that sin can be justified or excused by the passing fears of the present moment. Instead, let us cultivate a fear that is rooted in reverence for God, a fear that fuels our endurance and propels us towards salvation.
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