Fear is Sin

“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.