Welcome to Hank’s Place – Anti-Virus Edition
Are viral fears still going viral? Well, hey, I know who holds the future, I know who holds the nations in the palm of His hand, I know who beholds us as the apple of His eye – and I trust in Him and I trust that you do, too!
There are many occurrences of the word “fear” and “do not fear” found in the Gospels. Let’s check out two today!
In Luke 5 we find the boats of Simon Peter, James and John literally sinking from a huge catch of fish. Simon is terrified at this demonstration of God in their midst and Jesus assures him, saying, “Do not fear, from now on you will be catching men.”
There’s a kind of holy fear that can engulf a person when God shows up on the scene. But Jesus says don’t be afraid to Simon – and gives him something incredibly awesome to grab ahold of. It’s a fresh vision for his life!
This sort of fear is also recorded with the people of the Gerasenes upon hearing the testimony of those who witnessed the great deliverance of the demoniac at the hand of Jesus. They were afraid when they learned of the demoniac being healed, and even more afraid when they found out how – God at work! Read it in Luke 8.
This happened with all the disciples too, on their way across the lake a bit earlier.
They had encountered a great storm. Terrifying, even for life-long fishermen!
They awaken Jesus who speaks to the storm and it ceases. Then as found in Mk 4:40 Jesus says to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”” Jesus gave us the solution to banishing fear: FAITH IN GOD. Worldly fear? No worries, but have FAITH IN GOD.
But now catch the next verse: “They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?””
There are things that happen in life that cause us to fear. The remedy: have faith in God! But when God shows up, that causes our mortal bodies to fear EVEN MORE than anything on this planet – and for that I say to you: DO NOT FEAR, you who believe in Jesus, for you belong to Him, and He has accepted you already in the Beloved! You are approved and greatly loved my friend.
So worship Him, rejoice in His presence, cease being afraid— and — COME ALIVE!
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