When I was in high school, we took a class trip to New York City and for one afternoon, went on a guided tour of some of the famous sites. Before we got off the bus, our tour guide, a native New Yorker, gave us a little speech about pickpockets and general safety in the city. I’ll never forget what she said: “Be alert, but not afraid.”
This is great practical advice for a tourist, but I’ve often thought about it in a spiritual context as well. When I’m thinking about spiritual warfare and the presence of angels and demons, this advice is excellent. 1 Peter 5:8 says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Us Christ-followers don’t bury our heads in the sand, nor do we cower in fear. We are alert for the schemes of the enemy, but not afraid for any reason. Jesus said this dozens of times in the Gospels.
It came up in another context in our Bible-in-a-Year plan this week as well. As Jesus is teaching his disciples about the signs of the end times, He says some pretty disturbing things. He speaks of wars, rumours of wars, nations rising against one another, famines, and earthquakes. (Matthew 24) But unequivocally the command is the same: “See to it that you are not alarmed.” Often in scripture, the phrase translated as “do not be afraid” can be more accurately translated as “stop fearing.”
There is nothing that we should fear. We are hidden with Christ and He is fully in control. But also, there is something we are commanded to do (not just not do): “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:13) Yes, there will be signs all around us that the end is near. Choose to keep watch, not to be fearful.
Church, let’s be those who live watchfully, never fearfully. Let’s be courageous and mindful. Let’s be alert but not afraid.
Pastor Tracy
THIS WEEKEND
SUNDAY, April 26 @ 10am
MIDDLE, BEGINNING, END
The Beginning of the End
Erin Jamieson
Join us for our IN-PERSON SERVICES OR
LIVESTREAM on Sunday!
10:00 - Live Service & Kids Church (+Church Online)