But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Rise, and have no fear."
-- Matthew 17:7
Rise, and have no fear... For some this morning, that is enough. It is all we need to hear.
Fear is debilitating. Fear can shut us down and drain our vitality. At the least, fear is a terrible motivator - actually, it is a demotivator.
In the context of the passage, the disciples are awestruck with fear at the transfigurative glory of Jesus; and at a voice that comes from the sky.
An awesome respect (sometimes translated fear) of God is wise and good. He is holy; he is other. And a glimpse of his glory will bring us to our knees.
But there is a different fear. Rather than a focus on God's glory, this fear fixates our vision on the myriad opportunities before us to fail. This kind of fear does not mix well with faith. One tends to drive the other into submission. And one of the most deceptive - and covertly destructive - types of fear is the fear that we fail God.
Rise, and have no fear... They were the words of Jesus to his followers on a hill outside Jerusalem. They are the words of a loving Savior to you and me on this Saturday morning.
Rise, and have no fear... of the past. It is gone.
Rise, and have no fear... of the future. It is not here.
Rise, and have no fear... now, in this moment. Jesus is present (as he was and as he will be).
Rise, and have no fear. (Period)
God, drive my fear away with your presence. Take my hand, lift me up and let me see your smile.
For now...
D
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