What Are You So Afraid Of?

(Table Talk 2)

The after dinner speech (at the Passover) started with a message about fear.

Jesus said, “Do not let your heart be troubled.” (John 14:1a)

Most translations use the word “troubled” here in this verse, but The Message paraphrase puts it this way. “Don’t let this rattle you.” In other words, don’t be alarmed or surprised by what I’m about to do. This begins the small talk around the table.

This was a special holiday, the Passover. Though it had its somber elements, it was still a certified celebration. So why would the disciples’ hearts be troubled? Why would Jesus address their fears and dismay? Why would they be “rattled”? Well, He had just reminded them—again— that He would be leaving soon.  He said, “Where I am going, you cannot come.” (John 13:33) This was a surprise and a bit disconcerting to those men who had dedicated their lives to Him and His ministry. Abandonment was not part of their plan. Stay here and set up a Kingdom, they imagined. After all, Jesus was only 33 years old—in the prime of life. Apparently, He knew what kind of agony He would endure and how utterly defeated they would be without Him. So, He felt like He should prepare them—again—and console them.

That’s the way a relationship with God works. He is the one to bear our burdens and soothe our hearts.

Many a scholar and theologian has dealt with fear, either their own or those of his acquaintances. John Newton, the hymn writer of “Amazing Grace” was also a pastor in England in the late 18^th century. He wrote (among other things) this about fear.

“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear.  His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable. Under his protection, though the path of duty should lie through fire and water, we may cheerfully and confidently pursue it.”[1]

“Whatever it is that has you bound up in anxiety only got to you in the first place after [2]passing your Father’s review… He will not send you more than you can bear…” — Tony Evans

“Love casts out fear, for when we know we are loved, we are not afraid. Whoever has God’s perfect love, fear is gone out of the universe for him.”[3]

The eighth chapter of Romans is filled with promises that speak to the issue of being “rattled” by circumstances. Here’s just a few:

• “We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (v. 28)
• “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31)
• “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or trouble, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” (v. 35)
• “No, in all these things we are more than victorious through him who loved us.” (v. 37)

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[1] John Newton, The Works of the Rev. John Newton (Letters to the Reverend Mr. R-)

[2] Let it Go!: Breaking Free From Fear and Anxiety (Tony Evans Speaks Out Booklet Series) Paperback – October 1, 2005

[3] A. W. Tozer, Tozer on the Almighty God: A 365 Day Devotional