No Fear

Isaiah 54:14 (NET) - You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. You will not experience oppression; indeed, you will not be afraid. You will not be terrified, for nothing frightening will come near you.

Isaiah’s words promise the people security.

He speaks of reestablishment and freedom from oppression.

But these words of promise also include commands.

“You will not be afraid.”

“You will not be terrified.”

Isaiah wrote these words centuries before the birth of Christ.

But today’s world is confusing.

In fact, it can even appear frightening.

The world reminds us that we live in a pandemic.

It reminds us that there is corruption.

It reminds us that there is injustice.

In fact, a list of the world’s negative reminders can be overwhelming.

Considering these, how are we not to be afraid?

How are we not to be terrified?

For the answer, we must turn to the words of Christ.

John 14:27 (NET) - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.

Jesus gives us peace, His peace.

His gift of peace is far different from what the world offers us.

He gives us commands as well.

But His commands are gentler.

We should not feel distressed.

We should not lack courage.

Our circumstances can overwhelm us if we let them.

But God in His infinite love sent His Son to us.

A Son who promises a peace that exceeds all understanding.

A Son who embodies the very meaning of love. 

He gives His peace and love to us.

He wants us to share that same peace and love with others.

As the world offers fear, may we instead offer hope through Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 24, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 1, 2021