Do Not Be Afraid

Contrary to a popular Facebook meme, the Bible does not say 365 times, “do not be afraid.” Although, it certainly says it often enough we should take notice. Yet, as popular as that meme has been, ironically no one has shared it in the wake of last week's events. Instead, I've seen numerous articles and opinions shared by friends and colleagues alike encouraging just the opposite. It's as if they want everyone else to be as scared as they are.

I get it. Recent world events remind us all once again that insidious evil lurks among us. We want to protect our families. We want to trust our government is doing their best. We want to feel safe and secure, but we feel vulnerable instead. At a time like this I need to hear Jesus say, “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).

Yet, when suicide bombers target funerals (Baghdad), public markets (Beirut), and popular tourist attractions (Paris) it's difficult to immediately recall and meditate on the words of Jesus. Yet we must.

“Never again!” challenges the previous generation. And we promised, did we not, to never again turn our back on such evil and atrocity? We remember and honor those, like Corrie ten Boom and her family, who risked their lives to harbor the refugees of their day. Each and every one of those people had to consider the possibility that the enemy could infiltrate their homes when they opened their doors. They counted the cost (and many paid the price) and still they chose the way of Jesus. They chose love over fear. They chose courage over despair. And history remembers them as heroes.

How does history remember those who closed their doors and refused to help?

How will history remember us?

The fact that the world can be a scary, violent place should not take us by surprise. Jesus warned, “In this world you will have trouble.” But then he quickly adds, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

As we enter the season of Advent, it seems especially appropriate to consider and meditate on the numerous times the Bible emphatically declares, “Do not be afraid,” throughout the Christmas story.

But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John” (Luke 1:13).

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God” (Luke 1.30).

“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:20).

As a baby, Jesus entered into a scary and violent world. As a toddler, his family sought refuge in a foreign land to escape the murderous Herod. I imagine fear constantly tried to seduce Mary throughout her son's life and ministry. Fear certainly had many opportunities to rear its ugly head and incapacitate her. Yet, we know Mary remained vigilant to the angel's message, “Do not be afraid,” for we see her standing courageously to the very end at the foot of Jesus' cross.

Make no mistake, fear is seductive. It feeds on insecurity and self-preservation. It limits our capacity to live freely and to love fully. But John tells us, “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4.18).

I agree with Jen Hatmaker, the last thing the world needs is “a bunch of scared, overwhelmed Christians wringing their hands and resorting to cliches. This world needs strong, convinced, courageous people who really believe God and are prepared to follow Him into every dark place.” (Read more here.)

I know we live in a scary, violent world, but I also know we can overcome fear and evil with radical love, generosity of spirit, Christ-inspired compassion, and with our heads held high and our mouths declaring God's truth to bring light and life to a dark and weary world.

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today, in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord!” 

(Luke 2:10, 11)

A day of honor and celebration

Yesterday, we attended Centro Evangelistico Emmanuel church to witness our friend and missionary colleague Donna Bustos and her husband Miqueas as they were officially installed as pastors.

Donna Bustos has served in Mexico City for many years and is currently also the Academic Dean of Facultad, the master's program of Christian Education Service of the Assemblies of God in Latin America and the former director of Anna Sander's Seminary in Mexico City.

I am grateful to Pastor Carlos Dávila del Real (next to Stuart) who took such wonderful photos of the whole event (all the photos here are his except for the video at the end). We are gathered with our Area Directors Paul and Sandy Kazim (to my left) and Carlos' wife, Lilia. Both Carlos and Lilia also work at Anna Sander's Seminary.

Donna and Miqueas' wonderful son, David, greeted the congregation he has known all his life and honored his parents with a special blessing.

Que Dios los bendiga con una insatisfacción santa frente a las respuestas fáciles a preguntas difíciles, a las medias verdades y relaciones superficiales, de modo que ustedes puedan buscar la verdad y el amor con valentía en lo profundo de sus corazones.

Que Dios los bendiga con ira santa ante la injusticia, la opresión espiritual o física, y la explotación de las personas, para que puedan trabajar a favor de la justicia, la libertad y la paz de Cristo entre los pueblos de la tierra.

Que Dios los bendiga con lágrimas para derramar por aquellos que sufren dolor, rechazo, hambre, o pérdida de todo lo que es de gran aprecio, para que ustedes puedan extender sus manos para consolar y transformar su dolor en alegría.

Que Dios los bendiga con suficiente locura para creer que ustedes realmente pueden hacer una diferencia en esta ciudad, nación, y hasta los confines de la tierra, para que sean capaces por medio de la gracia de Dios de hacer lo que muchos dicen es imposible.

Y que la bendición de Dios, la Suprema Majestad y nuestro Creador, Jesucristo, el Verbo encarnado, que es nuestro Hermano y Salvador, y el Espíritu Santo, nuestro Abogado y Guía, permanezca con ustedes, hoy y para siempre.

If you want to see the English translation, I posted it on the blog about a year ago: May God Bless You with Discomfort.

And just so you can have a taste of what worship is like here ...



(This song should sound familiar to many of you.)