A Word from Luke 12

What are you afraid of these days?

Let's face it. We live in anxious times. And so, it often seems like there's a lot that we could fear! We could be afraid of what's going to happen with the economy, or how next week's elections are going to turn out. We could be frightened about our health, or about getting caught up in random violence. We could be afraid of foreign adversaries, or identity theft, and so much more.

But in today's word from Luke Chapter 12, Jesus reminds us what's really worth being afraid of. And then, he offers a surprising take on whether fear is even necessary.

“Dear friends," Jesus says, "don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear." (12:4-5)

Now, what do you make of that? Is Jesus arguing that we don't need to be afraid of any earthly threats or enemies, because God gives eternal life; and so, what we really need to worry about is having the right relationship with Him? Well...I think that's true.

And would Jesus point out that when we talk about "the fear of the Lord," we're not really talking about "anxious terror" but about "reverent fear"? Well...I think that's true, too.

But then Jesus says, "“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." (12:6-7; emphasis added)

You see, what I think Jesus wants is for us to replace our fear...with faith! Faith that no matter what happens in this life, we have the promise of a life to come? Well, sure. But even more, faith that even in a frightening world, God knows, and God loves, and God will take care of us.

And so, let's not be afraid. And may our faith in the God who's watching over us, enable others to be a little less anxious, too. Amen.