FEAR IN THE KINGDOM

In many ways that we cannot yet understand, the world has been changed by the attacks upon America.  Those responsible for these previously unthinkable acts succeeded in murdering innocent children, women and men.  They also succeeded in knocking to the ground some buildings and severely damaging others.  What is so disturbing is that these evil people may be succeeding in accomplishing a larger goal.  They are rightly called TERRORISTS, and they seek to TERRORIZE people.  Americans complain that they cannot sleep, or that they are living in fear of another attack.  As Americans, we cannot allow this to continue, or the enemy wins - no matter whether we seize their leaders and soldiers are not!

As Christians, we must lead the way in calming the fears of others.  We are in a unique position to do this because of the words of Christ in Mark 6:50b, “Be of good cheer! It is I, do not be afraid.”  While the world has changed in many ways we cannot yet understand, nothing of eternal significance has changed for the Christian.  When we truly believe and trust the words of Christ, the worst that a terrorist can do is to strike at our body.  But Christ said, “do not fear them who kill the body, but rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna” (Matthew 10:28).  Fear not the terrorist, “Fear God and keep His commandment.”. (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  As one who is in the world but not of the world, fear not the terrorist, but “conduct yourself in reverential fear while you reside here as strangers” (I Peter 1:17).

As for those in the world who are fearful, “Go...teaching them to keep all things whatever that I have commanded you” and reassuring them “and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
                           —Selected