“It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27)
Read Matthew 14:22–36.
Are these the most comforting words in the Bible? It is not just the fact that these words were spoken to the disciples in a storm. But they are spoken so often to so many people and in so many different situations. For the moment, think about or talk about the occasions you know of in the Bible when the words “Do not be afraid” are spoken. Then, share (with your family or a friend) when this has happened in your life, providing reassurance.
I am sure most of you know that the words “Do not be afraid” occur 365 times in the Bible. Planned? Who knows? But what a great way to start or end each day of the year or to remind yourself at midday each day that Jesus says, “Do not be afraid”.
Here are some of the times they are spoken:
- to Elijah when he had to confront the king (2 Kings 1);
- to Jeremiah when he was called to be a prophet (Jeremiah 1:8);
- to Joseph when told Mary would have a baby (Matthew 1);
- to the women at the tomb when Jesus rose from the dead (Matthew 28:5,10);
- to John when Jesus gave him the words to speak to the churches (Revelation 1:17).
Again, and again, and again. I think God might want to be giving us a message. Spoken by God, by angels, by Jesus. Perhaps we can pick up on that and say these words to each other: Do not be afraid.
Of course, we do not need to be afraid because God is the creator, the provider, the life-giver, the one who inspires, and the giver of grace and forgiveness.
Do not be afraid. Instead, go into your day with confidence that God is with you and that the words of Jesus ring true again and again.
Prayer
Father, in a world full of pain and sin, my hope is in Your promises and the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus, and I am not afraid. Let this be one thing that others see in me so they can ask, “How can I not be afraid anymore?”
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
