Do Not Be Afraid –
The aftermath of a horrific bombing in Manchester was still in the news, when another terrorist attack occurred in London. These happened in “safe” parts of the world. Statistically these areas are safe, with strict gun laws, CCTV, effective Police forces and stable governments. Terrorists have been able to carry out attacks again and again and that strikes terror in the hearts of their people.
In an area where war and death is more common, a major city in the Philippines is under attack by Muslim rebels. This is a provincial capital city where they are all too familiar with trouble, but this attack turned their city into a war zone. 200, 000 residents are trapped in their besieged city and wondering if they will survive.
While life and death dramas play out in more civilized places, bombs also went off in Baghdad and Kabul, with higher death tolls. These bombings show us the conflicts won’t end anytime soon. The Syrian conflict rages on, with deadly consequences. With a collapsing economy, Venezuelans are fighting in the streets for their own survival. Famine has been added to the troubles of several African countries.
With all of the attention on terrorist attacks, you might think the rest of the world is safer. You would be wrong. The unstable North Korean leader continues to test nuclear capable missiles, though under increasing pressure from his traditional allies and enemies. While his people starve, he presses on toward certain destruction. Both Russia and China are strengthening their military might, while western governments are caught up in political infighting and self-destructive behavior.
Why should we not be afraid, with terrorists seemingly striking us at will and war threatening our very existence? JESUS said, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Mat 10:28 NIV). That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take care of ourselves and our loved ones, but we don’t have to fear death.
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). That takes away the fear of death, because “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil 1:21 KJV). This life is in His hands and when it ends, I will be with Him in Heaven. Why should I be afraid? If you have not accepted JESUS, then you should be afraid. You should be very afraid.
Wayne Lance (2017)