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While watching the Redskins (Oh, I mean "The Commanders") game over the weekend, I noticed a lot of the commercials seem to want to scare you into buying their product.
At the very end of the commercials, fear seems to be the overriding motivation of why you should buy their product. I counted five pharmaceutical commercials, each warning us that if we didn't take their shots, use their pills or apply their ointment, we might never be cured of the sickness that was coming our way.
In another commercial advertising a different product, one couple warned us if we didn't replace our old windows with their new ones, the rain was sure to run in and destroy our carpet and window seals. Then the insurance company seems to want us to believe they are the only ones who will pay our bills if you have a claim. They promise fast and speedy service. They want to force us to buy what we don't need. On and on it goes. Fear is the common denominator for why we should buy.
But we all do it from time to time. Maybe just not as flagrant as the TV commercials.
I used to believe and even teach that there were 400 years from Malachi to Matthew, that God did not speak to the nation of Israel; that part was right. What I got wrong was, I would say, "God did not speak to Israel for 400 years. For 400 years there was silence. Then when God did speak the first word He said was, 'Repent."'
That statement is not altogether incorrect. It might be more accurate to say that God did not speak to Israel for 400 years and then His first words, spoken by His angels, to the world were, "Fear not." Do not be afraid (Luke 2:10 NIV)
Don't be afraid because we mean you no harm. Don't be afraid for we are God's holy messengers. Don't be afraid because the Savior is here. The one who is going to remove the need for fear from the world is here. You have no need to be afraid. The savior, spoken of by the prophets, is here. Salvation has come.
Sometimes we tend to forget Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NKJV).
Yes, I know that God is not directly speaking to me in that verse, but I do believe that He says this to us today through His Word. Do not be afraid.
There is much to fear today. Look at the news on the television. How much of it is centered around violence? We aren't even safe in our own homes. We fear sending our children to school. We are afraid to allow them outside to play. Many fear that the money they need to live will not be there when they need it. Others fear the news that is coming from the doctor's report. There is much to fear. Our hearts have reason for fear. However, our Heavenly Father says, "Do not be afraid."
What do you fear? Those "macho" among us might proclaim, "I'm not afraid of anything." Friend, that is simply not true. We all fear something. There is something out there that causes us unrest and even steals a small part of our peace. What is it for you?
I have found that what we fear changes with age. It goes from being the "monster under the bed" to fearing change in our lives. We fear we will come to a place where we will no longer be able to take care of ourselves. We fear what the future holds and if we are ready to face what is ahead. King David reminds us in Psalm 56:3, "Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in you." (NKJV). He encourages us in Psalm 34:4 when he tells us, "I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." (NKJV).
The angels told the shepherds, "Fear not." Why? The baby of Bethlehem is here to relieve your fear and make a way to remove fear from us. He gives us hope. He gives us peace. He gives us salvation. Because of Jesus coming to earth, giving His life sacrificially, then resurrecting from the dead, we have no reason to fear the future. Our Lord has conquered fear for us, even the fear of death.
Let's learn to trust Jesus more with the unknown so we can follow the challenge of the angels and fear not.
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Finding Faith is written and compiled by area pastors. This week's column comes from Pastor Mark Riley, minister of Flemington First Church of Christ.