Many in our day live in total control of their lives but when something is shaken, their confidence quickly turns to fear. Jesus describes the day in which we live. He says, "And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken” (Luke 21:25-26 ESV).
What are we to do? We are to look to Jesus. The night before Christ died on the cross for our sins, he showed us how to live free from fear. He was facing a horrendous death by crucifixion. The next day he would be tortured to death. What does he do? He goes to a garden to pray. Jesus prays, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done" (Luke 22:42 ESV).
In the last hours before the cross, Jesus prays, releasing his will over to the Father. Christ faced the cross without fear, placing his life in God’s care, trusting God for the resurrection to come.
The next day, tortured and hanging nailed to the cross, Jesus gives his life for the sins of the world. “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46 ESV).
Beloved, freedom from fear comes as we pray, humbling ourselves, committing our lives to Jesus, replacing our will with his will, making him Lord of our lives. We live free from fear as we place our life in the care of Jesus, trusting in the resurrection to come. Jesus sets us free and when Jesus sets us free, we become free indeed!
Our world will be shaken as Jesus says it will. The hearts of many will fail under fear, but not the Christ-follower, his Beloved. As you follow Jesus, you are a walking testimony of the power of God. You will live free from fear. All hell on earth will come, but you will not lose heart for you are following Jesus. Your eyes are fixed on Jesus. Jesus is your focus. Jesus is your strength. Jesus is your courage. Jesus is your faith. Jesus is your peace. Jesus will never leave or forsake you. He is with you always.
Beloved, through whatever comes, know that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. We can say in confidence, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever" (Psalm 23:1-6 ESV).
After Jesus warns that everything will be shaken and people will be fainting with fear, he says, “And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:27-28 ESV).
Beloved, Be encouraged today, living in the joy of the resurrection. Our redemption is drawing nearer.
Know that you are loved,