“At that
time the festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the
temple, in the portico of Solomon.”
Jesus is
going about his everyday life, strolling through one of the arched walkways
running along the side of the Temple.
There were others there as well; others who were hoping that Hanukkah
might just inspire Jesus to stand up and be the rebel leader who would lead the
fight against the Romans, just like the Maccabees had done with the Greeks 200
years before.
This is not
the plan.
After the
news that followed the Boston marathon, I came across a devotion by Delia Smith
entitled, “The God of Fear and Anxiety”,
causing me to reflect more deeply about fear.
She
comments that this god lurks in the shadows waiting for one to make a
mistake. The god of fear and anxiety is
born in peoples’ minds at a young age and it causes a hunger to hear, see, and
be part of overwhelming unfolding events, such that the fear runs wild, often
turning to terror, snowballing into a force all its own – a force that destroys
hope, makes people desperate, and breaks relationships.
“Fear [she writes] is the most inhibiting of human evils:
it is indeed the only thing we have to fear in seeking a relationship
with the real God. It is significant
that, in the Scriptures, almost every encounter with God is prefaced with the
words ‘Do not be afraid’.”
Upon
reflection, could the suggestion be made that fear is sin? For me there is a connection as my basic
working definition of sin is separation from God, broken relationship.
The events
of Boston show two reactions to a fear filled event. There were those who instantly went into
action, -actions that were relational -entering the pain of others, caring for
the wounded, directing people from harms way, offering whatever help was needed. There are those who continue to find ways to
cope with an enormous random act of violence; raising funds, choosing to run in
solidarity, offering messages of hope – activities that are building
relationship.
There is
another side. The media blitzing the
fear, the terror –social media continuing with angry messages of retribution;
death to the perpetrators – as if the violence of one death will put an end to
violence and fear. Here there is no room
for reconciliation of relationship.
There is no thought of offering a perspective and action grown from
hope; from the words ‘Do not be afraid’.
Jesus was
walking in the portico of Solomon; living his everyday life, celebrating the
festival of Hanukkah.
Based on
his conversation with those who gathered around him in the Temple, he did not
buy into the fear mongering of his day and the idea of retribution against the
Romans.
They ask
Jesus, “how long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us
plainly.” Jesus replies, “I have told
you, and you do not believe. The works
that I do in my Father’s name testify to me.”
These works are about building, growing, fostering, encouraging,
renewing, enlightening, promoting, prompting, healing, facilitating, guiding,
entering RELATIONSHIP!
Taking a
journey through John’s Gospel and the story before Jesus is found walking in
the portico of Solomon, we encounter Jesus turning water into wine, having deep
conversations with people like Nicodemus, talking with the Samaritan woman at
the well, healing a nobleman’s son, making whole a paralytic man, feeding 5000 with
5 loaves and 2 fish, teaching and walking among the common people, entering
into debate with the Pharisees, forgiving the sins of a woman caught in
adultery, curing the blind man – all these works are about RELATIONSHIP!
There is a
lot of fear in our world today. There is
fear that has turned into terror. There
is fear that is currently snowballing –turning people to anger, the distrust of
others, paralyzing and isolating people from one another. There is fear, fueled by growing anxiety, as
parts of the world who thought they were in control and had no need of
community realize that science, knowledge, money, power, and independence are
not enough –and in fact are nothing, when facing uncontrollable, random
circumstances.
‘Do not buy into fear mongering”. ‘Do not be
afraid’.
For amidst
fear, there are communities of hope, actions of relationship, the garnering of
light.
In response
to the fear of her time, in the conviction of a living God of unconditional
love, Tabitha devoted her life to good works and acts of charity, including
weaving and the making of clothing.
In response
to the fear of their time, in the conviction of a living God of unconditional
love, the widows –Tabitha’s community-worked together to support and provide
for each other. They cared for one
another in life and in death.
In response
to the fear of his time, in the conviction of a living God of unconditional
love, Peter entered the pain of the widows, prayed, and spoke to Tabitha;
giving her his hand, he helped her up.
Continuing to make relationship, Peter stays at the house of Simon, a
tanner -one unclean according to the Law.
The
shedding of light, the perpetuation of hope within this community of Jesus
followers, was such that their actions to each other were seen and felt in the
community and many believed in the Lord.
Fri. I was
on my way to a meeting and passed our prayer garden. It has been raked, birdfeeders hung, and a
bird bath in place for the season.
Amidst the news of the week, the troubles of the people walking by,
fears of what this world is coming to...the garden was a moment for pause; it
was loud, teeming with life, and emanating light/hope. The crocus in a wide variety of colours where
shining vibrantly against the still sleeping ground. The trees were full of chick-a-dees, playing,
and singing...’do not be afraid’.
This week
take to heart the words currently in the church sign: your mission – spring up
hope.
In response
to the fear of our time, in the conviction of a living God of unconditional
love, practice repelling fear. Create
and enter relationship, often and without ceasing.
