Scripture: But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 (NIV) from Bible Gateway
Affirmation: You don’t have to live in fear of incurring the wrath of the Lord to be a Christian. In fact, if you are, you’re missing something. Martin Luther said “A sorrowful, timid, frightened heart doesn’t come from Christ.” God does see the need to reassure us at times though. Let’s face it, some of the things He does can startle or even frighten us. The verse from Matthew came while Jesus was walking on water, a feat that shook up the disciples who were safely in a boat watching Him.
God understands that it is hard for us to grasp the extent of His power and the things He can do. That’s why, as Luther put it, “the Lord speaks to us with friendly and comforting words and actions.” Jesus Himself called the Holy Spirit ‘the Comforter.” Unfortunately, some Christians hold on to the notion of the vengeful, angry God who harshly reprimands and chastens us. That framing of God puts a lot of seekers off, and I don’t blame them—I wouldn’t want to worship that God myself. Fortunately, none of us have to.
Application: Attend church and pray with the knowledge that you can seek refuge in the Lord and not feel like you’re being called into the principal’s office.
No comments:
Post a Comment