Lessons: Psalm 50; Isaiah 9:18-10:4; 2 Peter 2:10b-16; Matthew 3:1-12
Christians Are Called To Be Fearless
Amid A Fearful World
Something happened to a friend of mine yesterday that really underscores how fearful are communities are becoming in the wake of all the senseless violence that has occurred in our Nation. My friend was getting out of his car and proceeding to go to work at the local cable television station located at the High School here in Hudson. Mike had on his winter cap which he wears every day when it is cold and was carrying a black fold-up umbrella because the skies were overcast and rain had been predicted.
Another employee in the school system noticed my friend from a distance and without asking or gaining any information, proceeded to inform the leaders of the school that there was a man on the school grounds trying to get into the building with a gun. Naturally, the school went into lock-down. The police were called. My friend was interrogated and finally the “all-clear” was given.
C’mon folks! Is this the way it is going to be from now on? If so, the agents of darkness have won and we might as well close up shop for there is little hope for the future of humanity.
What really ticks me off in this whole nonsense is that folks who call themselves Christians are summoned to live faithfully and fearlessly amid a fearful world. Where is that witness these days? When life all around us is in turmoil, the opportunity to witness to God’s love will never be greater. Someday, when we Christians finally embrace the concept and belief that “nothing” can separate us from God’s love, not even death, our witness will be irresistible.
The horrific events of last week in Newtown, Connecticut, the rise of terrorism over the last decade, the financial turmoil in our country that causes such distress for so many can easily pull us in all directions and make us lose our souls. Jesus calls us to live in a radically different way. His example, in a world that was much more dangerous than ours, was to be anchored in the heart of God, rooted in Yahweh’s love. In the midst of all the joy, pain and danger of his ministry, Jesus had the opportunity to boldly and fearlessly proclaim the Kingdom of God and its arrival. The days in which we live give the Christian the same opportunity. You and I are called to be fearless people living and bearing fruit in a fearful world.
Be with me, Lord, in every moment of this day and in every place so that I may recognize and respond to your call to go to the broken, the lonely and the needy proclaiming the Kingdom of God. AMEN.
Advent Action Step: Ponder these words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “Anybody can be great, because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.”
Love One Another – Brian
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