FREEDOM FROM FEAR
Happy New Year 2013
Text: Jesus said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)
How devastating is fear? Doctors tell us that many of the problems plaguing people are directly related to fear. When it joins forces with its sister ‘worry,’ they can paralyze and crush even the strongest warrior. Fear is the public enemy Number One. The worse about fear is that, it knows no boundaries; it can settle in the mind of the rich, the poor, Christians and non-Christians alike. Looking at the situation of the nation, people are extremely fearful. They are afraid of the economy “Fiscal Cliffs”, the future of their children in a chaotic world, their health, retirement, and so forth. Should Christians be also afraid of tomorrow just like those that have no relationship with Jesus Christ? The question of Jesus to his disciples should be in our mind daily, and throughout the New Year: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
A. Effects of fear
After an exhausting time of teaching Jesus got into a boat to get some rest away from the crowd. The disciples forgot that the human Jesus was resting, but the divine will never slumber nor sleep. (Ps. 121:4). They felt that Jesus was not concerned about them for sleeping through the strongest storm of their lives. Of course Jesus cares about us, but his temporary silence in our storms may cause us to question his love. Jesus doesn’t want his followers to have fear in their hearts because of what fear can do to people.
1. Fear spreads
The Bible does not tell which of the disciples yelled first that the boat was about to capsize, and they would all drown, including Jesus. One person became fearful, and his fear spread to others. A fearful husband or a wife can affect each other and also their children. It happens all the time; whether the cause for fear is real or imaginary. One person’s fear can spread to a crowd like a wild fire to a forest.
I read a little history not too long ago: A chicken was feeding under a mango tree when a mango fell on her tail. She decided in her mind that the sky was falling. Crazed with fear she began to run. Soon she met cousin Turkey and told her the terrible news. Soon all other the birds in the barnyard heard the bad news, and ran in terror. As they were running for their lives they met Mr. Fox and his family, who offered them refuge in their den. They soon made a meal out of them all.
Fear can cause people to panic, and fall into destructive and regrettable circumstances.
2. Fear is paralyzing.
We have to remember that many of the disciples were accomplished sailors who were fishermen by trade before Jesus called them. We believe that they were not strangers to bad weather. But facing that particular storm they were paralyzed by fear of drowning. The fishermen forgot that they were good swimmers. Fear removes from us all our abilities to perform even our daily and routine tasks. I have known many people that can no longer drive a car after a terrible accident. Fear of a second or a third accident prevents them from regaining their confidence. Fear of not been able to provide for themselves or to trust God for their daily bread keeps a lot of people in bondage of sin. Fear of not making a mistake or rejection prevents many people from trying again or been successful in life.
3. Fear causes unusual actions
In many circumstances people will do something in fear that they would not otherwise do. They may act or talk unkindly to others when motivated by fear. The disciples asked Jesus an unkind question they had to have known the answer to: “Don’t you care if we drown?” (Mark 4:38). Of course he cared, and he still cares for us today.
B. Freedom From Fear Mark 4:40
The second question is from Jesus to his disciples: “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” After so many miracles performed before them, Jesus expected his disciples to trust him. He was in their boat, and his presence should assure them that everything was going to be all right. However, their proximity to Christ did not change their human nature. Our faith is sometimes stronger and deeper when our sea is quiet and our wind calm. The lesson is that the presence of Christ in our boat does not always mean the absence of storm. The only requirement from his followers is faith in his ability to change our situation. “Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” (Mark 4:39)
4. Contrast between fear and faith
Jesus indicated to his disciples and to us that if we have faith we don’t need to be afraid. Faith controls fear always. David, in his walk and his experience with God, was able to say: “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.” (Ps. 23:4). As Christians, we should always remember that the just shall live by faith not by fear. We should trust and place our faith in Christ regardless of our circumstances.
5. Kind of faith needed for the New Year
- We need a faith that trusts God completely, that believes that the will of God is so perfect that even though harm might come, one will not be destroyed.
- We need a faith that depends totally on God. When we do not know what to do in the midst of our tempests, we can depend on Him to take care of us.
Conclusion. How we will face up to life in the New Year? You only have two choices: Faith in Christ or fear of your circumstances. Freedom from fear is our greatest need nowadays. Christ does not want us to be afraid of anything, because he is in control. He always stills the storms of life that threaten us. Trust him regardless of what may come your way this year. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb.13:8)
Happy New Year to all the members and friends of Redemption Baptist Church!