The Lutheran Hour
-
"Who’s Afraid?"
- Download MP3 No bonus material MP3
-
Text: John 14:27
-
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Who of you among our listening audience today is not afraid? That’s right, we’re asking, “Who’s afraid?” If you are among those who find fear gnawing at your innards, rejoice! Christ, Who has conquered the great enemies of humanity comes to you today. A risen Christ says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
In the 1800s, even though Charles Berry was a pastor, he found himself preaching a Christ who was limited to being a noble Teacher. Barry never thought upon Jesus as a God-sent Savior. One night, shortly after he began work at his first parish in England, a visitor came calling. Opening the door, he found a young girl with a shawl on her head and poor shoes on her feet. She asked, “Mister, are you a minister?” He told her he was. With a tone of immediacy, she said, “Sir, you must come with me quickly. I want you to get my mother in.” Thinking the girl was describing a mother with an alcohol problem, Berry said, “I can do nothing. Please, go and tell a policeman.” “No,” said the girl, “My mother is dying, and you must come and get her into heaven.” Berry put on his coat, and followed the lass for about a mile-and-a-half through the lonely streets.
Coming to the woman’s humble home, he knelt by her bedside. He began by explaining to the woman how Jesus had come to show us how we were to live our lives in kindness and compassion. The dying woman stopped him. “Sir,” she cried, “those words are no good for the likes of me. I’m afraid. I’ve been a sinner all my life. Isn’t there someone you know who can help me and tell me how my poor soul can be saved?” Years later, the Reverend Berry confessed, “There I was, standing in the presence of a dying woman, and I had nothing to tell her. She was covered with sin and death had come to her door. Still, I had no message. In order to give something to that dying woman, I remembered the things I learned from my mother. I remembered my cradle faith. I told her the story of the Cross and of a Christ who is able to forgive, and save sinners completely.” Reverend Berry said, “The tears began to run down the woman’s cheeks. ‘Now you’re getting it,’ she said, ‘now you’re helping me.'” Pastor Berry concluded his story by saying, “God got her into heaven, and blessed be, God got me in there too.”
Today, to your world of worry and woe, of fear, fright and frustration, the Prince of Peace comes. I could tell you that the Prince of Hope has come. It would be accurate, for wherever Jesus goes, believing hearts do find hope. It would be equally right to call God’s Son “the Prince of Love.” Truly, this little earth has never seen the kind of sacrificial love that Jesus showed, as He went about the Father’s business of saving us. No one could contradict me if I called Him the “Prince of Faith.” Not only was He faithful when He walked among us, His heaven-sent Spirit, even today, still creates faith in failing hearts. But today we proclaim the Prince of Peace Who calms our chaos; Who says to you, in whatever crisis or critical state you find yourself, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. My peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” Those words, which would seem ludicrous if they were uttered by any other mouth, will give those who hear, a newfound hope.
“Do not be afraid. Fear not.” In Scripture, when people heard those words, they would have done well to look around. Those words usually meant that something surprising, strange, or sad had happened, or soon would happen. When the angel Gabriel came to virgin Mary, he began by saying, “Fear not.” Before he left, he had told her that she would become pregnant with the Lord’s Son, our Savior. Beautiful words, no doubt. But those words also meant Mary would have to tell her family, her neighbors, her fiancé about her condition. If they refused to understand, if they wanted to press charges, her life might well have been at risk. In a dream, Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, was told, “Fear not.” Easy to say, hard to do, when you know people’s tongues were going to wag as soon as they found out that Mary was great with child.
“Do not be afraid,” the angel said to the shepherds the night Jesus was born. The angel continued, telling them about God’s Good News, humanity’s great joy. But did people believe these men when they told about a multitude of the heavenly host that praised God that wondrous night? When Jesus told His disciples not to be afraid of those who can kill the bodies, He gave them a prophecy about the terrible ways many of them would die. One of the leaders at Capernaum’s synagogue, Jairus, was told by Jesus not to be afraid. But how could his father’s heart not be terrified? He had sought Jesus out because his little daughter was dying. Indeed, even as Jesus was coming to his house, he received word that she had passed away. Then there was the time the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee; a storm was raging, their ship was in danger of sinking, and they thought they saw what appeared to be a ghost, walking to them on the water. Amazingly, the “Ghost” spoke. What did it say? You might guess Jesus’ words: “Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
The night Jesus was betrayed, the night everything seemed to fall apart, Jesus told His followers not to be afraid. Don’t be afraid. They had every reason to be afraid. One of their own circle had prepared to betray Jesus with a kiss. The church leaders were plotting to take His life. Don’t be afraid? Jesus would, in the next few short hours, be arrested, be the Guest of Honor before a caricature of a court which would condemn Him. Don’t be afraid? In less than twenty-four hours, Jesus would be dead and they would be hiding, fearing for their lives. Don’t be afraid? Indeed, how could they not be afraid! Any normal, self-respective, clear-thinking person would be afraid. You would be afraid. I would be afraid. They had reasons to be afraid.
Just like you do. Of what are you afraid today? Are you afraid of an illness or failing health? Are you afraid of growing old and helpless? Are you afraid that your medical insurance is getting too costly? Are you afraid that rising crime rates will eventually show up at your door in the person of a thief or a vandal? Are you afraid of your surroundings? Are you afraid that the air you are breathing, the water you are drinking, the food you are eating, might be contaminated with some unseen pollutant or virus? Are you afraid your children won’t love you, your parents might cause you embarrassment? Are you afraid your company might go belly up? Are you afraid of bills unpaid? How about bad habits that are unchecked? Are you afraid that you may lose your home, or be unable to take care of yourself in that home? Are you afraid the market might collapse, or that your retirement is insufficient, or that you can’t maintain your lifestyle? Are you afraid to drive at night? Are you afraid of other drivers, some of whom might be drunk? Are you afraid your old jalopy won’t get you to your destination? Are you afraid of school, and grades, and loans you are taking out for your education? Are you afraid mom and dad love your sibling more than you? Are you afraid somebody is going to beat you out for a grade, a promotion, a scholarship, an award, for recognition? Are you afraid someone might find out about your past, or are you afraid of what you might do in the future? Are you afraid of death, or afraid to keep on living? Of what are you afraid? I can’t mention all of the fears. All I know is that you, yes you my listener, have a fear that is robbing you of the joy of living, that is souring your outlook, your attitude, your relationships, your todays and your tomorrows.
You are afraid. And what are you going to do with those fears? Can you take care of them yourself? You’ve tried that. What are you going to do? Years ago, a sailing ship on its way to Australia encountered a great storm. The wooden hull of the ship was breached and it sprang a leak, a leak that was kept under control by emergency repairs and pumps. Adding insult to injury, another storm, this one of near-hurricane force, soon swept over the vessel. On board the ship there was a passenger, a man with an easily distressed disposition. He felt it was his duty to make sure the others on board knew the full danger of their predicament and peril. Before he could begin to share his fears, the captain came up to his side. He intended to calm the man. Before the captain could speak, the passenger launched into an impassioned litany of fear: “What an awful storm! I believe this vessel shall sink. I’m sure that all souls shall be lost. I’ve been told the leak is bad, and hope is gone.”
The captain changed his tack. He whispered, “Sir, since you seem to know our situation, and the others are yet unaware, I ask that you refrain from telling them. I would not want the passengers to be afraid, nor would I want to discourage my crew.” Then the captain continued, “As you understand our situation, I ask a favor of you. You could be of invaluable help to me. Please, have the goodness to keep this post, and lay your hand on this rope. Do not leave it, but when you feel the rope tug, I wish, as hard as you are able, to tug back. Do this until I return and tell you to let go.” With some reluctance, the man gave his word. He kept that word, too. All through the night, every time he felt a tug on the rope, he pulled back. By morning the storm had passed and the captain freed the man from his duty, set him free from his post.
Amazingly, the passengers did not applaud him and even the captain didn’t seem overly appreciative. Although humility prevented him from directly requesting recognition, the man did drop some insignificant little hints that the captain might wish, in some small way, to thank him for having saved the ship. Perhaps at dinner might be a good time. When the captain got word of the man’s suggestions, he had had enough. Once again, the officer came up to the braggart and took him discreetly to the rail. The captain said this: “Sir, do not think for a moment that you saved this vessel. You and a thousand like you, could not have helped. I gave you a rope to hold so you would not spread fear among the others. Sir, that rope you held went nowhere. All you did was tug back at a rope that was being pulled at by the wind.”
Cruel, isn’t it? Cruel, and at the same time, a pretty good description of us and how ineffectively we deal with our fears? We see our worries sweeping over us. We plan our strategy. We plan to do something. We hold on to the rope. We commit ourselves, body and soul, will and resources to making a difference. Then we find out it was all for nothing. All we have done is managed to expend a lot of energy. The fear remains. If that describes your situation, if that is the way you feel, don’t feel alone. Others have felt that way too, which is why Jesus comes to you saying, “Do not be afraid.”
To which you, like so many others, may say, “Nice words Jesus, but prove it. Prove You can make a difference. Prove You can do something with my fears when everything I’ve tried, and every expert I’ve consulted has been helpless.” It’s a reasonable request, and speaking for the Savior, I’m glad to oblige. Go back to those Scriptures I listed before, and learn. The angel came to Mary and said, “don’t be afraid.” God took care of her. Yes, her Baby, our Savior, was born in a stable, but God took care of her. Joseph’s fears were set aside, and He became the stepfather of the Savior. The disciples’ fears were put away, and Jesus came to them in the storm, miraculously walking on water. Jesus came, and then He stopped the storm. Jairus trusted the Lord, and had his daughter brought back to life. The disciples to whom Jesus spoke, did have their times of terror. They were afraid when they heard the reports of Jesus’ trial, His death, His burial. They were confused when they first heard of Jesus’ empty tomb; but when they saw a risen Christ, a Savior Who could conquer sin, death and Satan, they were changed. They knew, if Jesus could conquer death, He also could conquer their fears. It was a wonderful, transforming moment. No longer did they hide; no longer did they cower. They became lions for the Lord, roaring out to all who would hear: Jesus, the crucified and risen Lord, has put an end to fear.
Jesus, my friend, can do the same for you. Around 1932, a minister was traveling across the country on the train. He, along with a young man, had an entire compartment to themselves. To pass the miles, they started to talk. The minister shared about how the Lord had touched his life; the young man talked about how, although he had once been a Christian, he had neglected the Lord. He related how reverses had left him despondent of today, and afraid of tomorrow. Indeed, he confessed that he didn’t believe he would be able to stand on his own much longer. The minister reached into his canvas suitcase and brought out his Bible and a pencil. He put the Bible on his lap and asked the young man, “How would you like to see me stand this pencil up on the cover of the Bible?” “Even with the train rocking?” “Even with the train rocking.” The young man, thinking this would be a nifty trick, encouraged, “Please, go ahead, begin any time you wish.” The minister replied, “I’ve already begun. The pencil is standing on the Bible.” “Unfair, foul,” came the reply, “you’re holding the pencil.” To which the minister confessed, “Of course! A pencil can’t stand without someone holding it.” The young man thanked the minister for reminding him – nobody can stand up unless they are held. Not a pencil. Not him. Not you. Not me.
To hold you up is why Jesus came. To hold you up is why Jesus lived. To hold you up is why He suffered and died. To hold you up is why Jesus sends His Holy Spirit, to call you to faith, to forgive your sins, to change your perspective, to make you unafraid. That is the promise Jesus makes to those who hear Him. It is a promise He alone can keep. It is why the Bible calls Him the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) It is why “The Lutheran Hour” has, through depression and recession, through war and periods of peace, shared Jesus. It is He who forgives. It is His blood that buys you back from fear. It is He Who can say, “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Do you want to know more about this Savior? Call us. We will give you the number before the end of our broadcast. We want to help.
Years ago I heard a story, and since it has made the rounds, I am somewhat reluctant to conclude this message using it. Nevertheless, it is so appropriate; I hope you will forgive me. The story begins with a boy and his father who were, on a beautiful spring afternoon, driving down a country road. Their tranquility was interrupted when a bee flew in the car window. The little boy, allergic to bee stings, was understandably afraid. No, he was terrified. Without hesitation, dad quickly reached out, grabbed the bee, squeezed it in his hand, and tried to toss it out the window. The wind blew the bee right back in. The boy started crying all over again. Once more, the father reached out his hand, but this time he showed the bee’s stinger stuck in his palm. “Look,” he said, “Do you see this? You don’t need to be afraid anymore. I’ve taken the sting for you.” Today Jesus shows His nail-pierced hands to you, and says: “Do not be afraid. Don’t let your hearts be troubled. I’ve taken the sting for you.” And because He has, your hearts need not be troubled; you need not be afraid. Amen.
Lutheran Hour Mailbox (Questions & Answers) for May 16, 2004
Topic: Should Christians Be Afraid?ANNOUNCER: And now Pastor Ken Klaus answers questions from listeners, I’m Mark Eischer. A listener writes, “As a Christian I know I’m not supposed to be afraid, but there are things in this world that just about scare me to death. How can I stop being so afraid?”
KLAUS: Good question. One most of us can understand because most of us have our own special fears. The best place to start is with a Bible verse, well, actually a couple of Bible verses. Psalm 111 (v.10) says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” The other verse is from Proverbs 1 (v.7) which says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”
ANNOUNCER: Are you saying we should be afraid of God?
KLAUS: It sounds kind of strange, doesn’t it? The answer is yes. Although it’s not fashionable to say so today, people ought to have a very healthy respect for God. He’s not somebody to be trifled with.
ANNOUNCER: And how does one trifle with God?
KLAUS: More and more, I see people remolding God into somebody who’s a good guy – more like a heavenly Santa Claus.
ANNOUNCER: And that’s dangerous?
KLAUS: It is. God is our Creator. He made us, and everything we are and have comes from Him. But God is also our Judge. A day will come when we will stand before Him and have to answer for our lives. Now I haven’t been in a lot of courtrooms, but I don’t think it’s a real smart move to treat the judge that is hearing your case, with distain, contempt, or over-familiarity.
ANNOUNCER: Most judges wouldn’t take it very well if one of the principles in the case doesn’t show them the proper respect.
KLAUS: Exactly. The beginning of wisdom is to realize that the Lord is not all that pleased with the way humanity as a whole, and each of us as individuals, have lived our lives. We all have sinned and fallen short of what He expects. As a result, the Judge has the duty to sentence us. In the case of humanity, that sentence is eternal damnation.
ANNOUNCER: Now that’s certainly something to fear, but isn’t God also a God of grace and mercy?
KLAUS: He is. God never desires the death of the wicked. That’s why to save us, He sent His Son into the world. Jesus took our place. The judgment that was coming to us went to Jesus instead. He lived a perfect life; something we couldn’t do. He suffered and died the death we deserved. And God raised Him from the dead. This is very serious stuff. It was the most noble act of love this world has ever seen, and the greatest gift.
ANNOUNCER: And God even gives us the gift of faith …
KLAUS: so that those who know what their final end should have been, and who have been saved by His Son, will live their lives in appreciation. That’s what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy, “What does the Lord, your God, ask of you but to fear the Lord, your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him.” (excerpted v. 12-13) It is, as we said, the beginning of wisdom. At the same time we know, that because of the victory Jesus won for us, we are saved. The world can clobber us, it can pick on us. We will carry our crosses, but ultimately, and finally, and completely, there is nothing this world can do to us.
ANNOUNCER: And that really starts to put all of the other fears into perspective.
KLAUS: Right. Jesus has taken away, at least for all those who believe on Him as Savior, the fear of sin, death, and Satan. As a result, the rest of the smaller fears of life become smaller and transitory. They’re considerably diminished. The book of Joshua (1:9) says, “Be bold and strong, vanish fear and doubt. For remember the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go.”
ANNOUNCER: And I think that’s probably what our listener really needs to remember – that we don’t have to be afraid of these things around us, because they can’t do us permanent or eternal damage.
KLAUS: Of course, just because we say, “don’t be afraid,” that doesn’t mean that all of a sudden, all of those fears will be gone.
ANNOUNCER: But the closer we are to the Lord, the more we trust in Him, the more those fears will start to fade.
KLAUS: And that is the beginning of wisdom, to know God is in control, and because of what Jesus has done for us, through His life, death, and resurrection, we have the ultimate victory.
ANNOUNCER: Anything else?
KLAUS: Just as we started out with the Bible verse, let’s finish with one. It speaks of our Christian journey. John wrote, “Perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18) Our listener needs to realize the more the perfect love of God fills her heart, through His Word, through the power of the Holy Spirit, the less room there will be for fear.
ANNOUNCER: Thank you Pastor Klaus. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries.