Every Right to Fear

    I have sat on the sidelines of 2020. I have watched as people have panicked as a result of covid. Government shutting down countries; forcing people into their homes; shutting down stores, restaurants, and schools; encouraging people to report on their neighbors and the list goes on. All of these to varying levels depending on the country (and for the States and Canada, province or state) that you live in. And above all that you have the media's constant hum of swirling uncertainty and "the world's ending attitude." 

    But as it is ever when the government is doing anything you have your dissenters, your "righteous" objectors, the push back crowd so to speak. You also have your sheep, your blind followers, the crowd loyalists. These are the parties that formed surrounding the above previous events. One of the simplest ways to separate them would be to say maskers and anti-maskers. That's what the media did with the help of the government and drove a wedge further in-between these groups by saying the anti-maskers didn't care about anybody but themselves. The anti-maskers didn't help their case by attacking the maskers calling them blind and saying that they were letting the government walk in and take their freedom.    

    And those are just some of the events surrounding covid. I haven't even brought up the Biden-Trump election which also helped turn covid and one's attitude towards it into a political movement/statement. I could go into that for pages and pages and pages. But before I get too close to the risk of rambling, I want to call out the common thread for both groups: fear.

    That's right fear. This world is operating on fear. Maskers fear their loss of life or health that could result from covid. Anti-maskers fear their loss of freedom from government take over. Both calling each other fearmongers. I agree with both parties declaration of each other. They are to my eyes both fearmongering. Both parties are operating out of fear and are spreading it. And as I look at the world I can say that they have every right to fear. These times, are times of uncertainty to one's freedom and health. So yes, fear is a totally correct response for the world. Why? Let me tell you.

    As you look through history you'll see that the song of 2020 is not a new one. The song has been going on within the world since Creation. Falling and rising in different pitches and levels of noise. Ever in the 21st century, this postmodern-era, its notes can be heard often above the rest. And in the year 2020 it can be heard most in the form of fear. What is the song's title? Unbelief in God. This is why the unbelieving world has every right to fear. Why do the maskers fear for their life? Well, being spiritually dead, they cling to their physical lives ever desperate to preserve them. Why do the anti-maskers fear for their freedom? Being in bondage and slavery to sin they cling to their physical "freedom" to do whatever, whenever they want, and those things are truly all they have on this earth. Both parties have no hope outside of themselves as they continually deny the Triune God: Father, Son, and Spirit.

     Man, ever in desire for control over his own life, denies Jesus as Lord. And when something shakes the "control" that they have over their own lives, they respond in fear. Because perhaps they don't actually have control and they have denied the God who does. This is why they have the right to fear. They are currently in denial of Jesus' offer of Salvation, which is there being offered freely, if they only but submit to Him. With no acceptance, the things they desperately cling to are truly all they have. 

    Now Praise God, for His desire is that the world should turn to Him! That they would find the life and freedom that are within Him! The hope, peace, love, and joy that go beyond all circumstance, that are only found in Him, and are offered if they but repent and believe in Him!

    Now church, to you I do address. For where do you find yourselves these days? Have you fallen into the fear of the world around you? Do you find yourself in one of the groups? I am not condemning you for that. I am not immune to fear and face the struggle against it daily; nor will I condemn you for anything else. That is a work of satan. But when you put on a mask or don't put on a mask or gather for worship online or in person, why do you do that? What is the reason behind your action? Think hard and be honest with yourself. Do not think yourself above fear. As followers of Christ we need not fear. The Bible says in John 4:17-18. 

"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgement; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love."

    Again and again throughout scripture the words, "Do not be afraid." are said. They are so often spoken with the promise of God's presence with us and care for us (go look it up it's super encouraging). He holds us in His hands still today. He is still with us and caring for us. Now closer than ever. Let us rest and trust in Him. 

    This is my prayer for us; that in our resting and trusting, we spread the hope of Christ in love to the world with our actions and faith in God during this time. The world is shaking. People are living in uncertainty without hope. Whereas, we have both certainty and hope, and so much more to offer in the person of Jesus Christ. Do not be afraid to share Him with the world that is in need of Him. 

    And as always all glory to the One to whom set us free from fear through the sacrifice of His Son and by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Amen and Amen