​Do Not be Afraid

And You, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or be terrified by them, though they are a rebellious people You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious.  – Eze 2:6-7

And so, Ezekiel has been given a task to take the Word of God before the people. Not only to take the Word, but to do so boldly and without fear. The people are rebellious and there is no telling what they will do to him, but the Lord strengthens his resolve by telling him not to be afraid. God is with those who deliver the Word and will guide them on their path.

The command is no different for me in Matt 28 where Christ tell the disciples to, “Go into every nation preaching the Good News.” I am to carry the Word of God everywhere I go. When I do, I do not have to be afraid, for the Lord will guide my path and I have been rescued already.

Sure, this country is a scary place to share the Word, but not so much so, when compared to many of the other countries in this world which are imprisoning people and beheading them for sharing the Word. I count myself blessed when I can go freely and share the Word of God with people. I am surprised at how many of them, even in my small community, are intimidated when I bring it up to them, but that is the power of the Word.

And so, I go out boldly before the people in the way of the Lord with the Word of the Lord. I look to harvest the lost by the Words of salvation and the Good News. I can win them not by cutting them down but by harvesting them to the Word. By lifting them up and letting them know there is a God who cares about them. I lift them up by letting them know, the Church is here for them, not to condemn but to deliver the Good News and to save them.

Today, won’t you join me in spreading the Word of God, the Good News of Salvation before the people. Let’s go forth boldly and decide to share with just one person today, to ask the question once today, “Do you know the Lord?” or “Have you heard the Good News?” You will be astonished at the response by the people, especially when we stride forth boldly in the Lord and His Word.

God Bless,
Pastor B.