Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3; 8-16 Luke 12:32-40

Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (vs. 32).   Yet we live in a world where there is so much to fear:  terrorism, war, and street violence; unemployment, homelessness and poverty; health care, the lack of adequate insurance and the high cost of medicine, earthquakes, tornadoes, and environmental disasters.  Everywhere we turn . . . whatever we do . . . there are reminders of just how threatened we really feel.  Toll booths, libraries, hospitals and schools come equip with surveillance cameras that record our every move.  Homes, apartment buildings and churches have security lights, security locks, and security systems to protect our possessions and our safety.  And just in case we still haven’t gotten the message, there are 24 hour a day news channels, information updates on our Web browsers, and flashing alert signs on our highways.  Then, into that fear, comes Jesus’ extraordinary words of comfort.  Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

According to Audrey West:  This is not whistling-in-the-dark comfort, but rather the reassurance that what is seen is not all that is, a reminder that the fears attendant upon earthly living need not have the last word in defining one’s life.  (David L. Bartlett and Barbara Brown Taylor, editors, Feasting on the Word, Year C, Volume 3, p. 334). 

Now given the number of times Jesus reminds those around him not to worry or be afraid, they must have had reason to fear a lot of different things.  Indeed, what we know about that particular time in history leads us to believe that for many of them life was hard.  It was filled with countless uncertainties and threats.  Yet, despite all that was going on around them, the one thing Jesus wanted them to remember was that ours is a God who, instead of creating the universe then setting back and watching the entire pageant unfold, chose to intimately involved with all creation.  So Jesus reminds them, and us, that the One who called everything into being is the one who attends to even the ravens, the sparrows, and the lilies.   This is a God whose love and concern for us is so great that it extends to the very hairs on our heads. 

But just as God has chosen to remain connected to us, so we must choose to stop being afraid of all the potential dangers that surround us.  Instead of being fearful, we are to commit ourselves and our future to serving and loving in Christ’s holy name.

So, what would happen if, in place of reacting out of fear, we acted out of faith?  What would happen if we let go of the past, while trusting both our present and our future to God?

Well, if we turn to the book of Hebrews and re-examine the lesson that was read just a moment agoe, what we learn is that our faith matters . . . it matters in many different ways.  When we fully commit ourselves to God our lives become edgy, unpredictable, adventuresome, scary, and totally at odds with the rest of the world.  For you see, while our faith enables us to cope with all the trials and tribulations life holds, it also provokes the ridicule and sometimes the hostility of those around us.

At the same time, however, it is through that very same faith others refuse to accept or understand that we receive the assurance that God not only has our best interest at heart but is also the one who holds our future.

So, when we like Abraham and Sarah find ourselves wandering about in unknown lands where it is hard to find a place where we feels safe – a place where we belong – we still know there is no reason to fear or doubt because somewhere in our future is that place where God is calling us to be. 

So, what is that is threatening to consume your life today?  What are you afraid of?  Is it an illness or an uncertain future?  Are you searching for a job, someone to love who will love you in return, or simply a sense of peace in the midst of chaos?  Is there a child, a spouse, or a friend who is weighing heavily on your mind?  Do you need to make that hard decision to give up your home, your car, or your independence?  Are you alone or lonely for someone who is no longer here . . . someone you would like to touch or to hear just one more time?

Now listen to Jesus one more time.  Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom (vs. 32).   Do you believe it?

To God be the Glory.  Amen.