Reading With the People of God #8 PeaceMuestra

Luke 12:32

Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

When we read the Bible, we might think it tells us that fear is irrational. But such a notion couldn’t be further from the truth. The Scriptures repeatedly tell us not to fear exactly because there are so many reasons to be afraid. However, there is a lot of comfort for Christians packed into the sixteen words Jesus speaks in Luke 12:32. Why shouldn’t you be afraid?

You have someone watching over you. You are part of the little flock of God’s own sheep. You have Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leading and tending you. He has given his life for you. He has beaten back everything that seeks to destroy you. And when you lose your way or run away, he leaves the ninety-nine to pursue you and bring you back to the flock. You don’t need to be afraid.

You have a Father who loves you. In baptism, he has made you his child. He has taken all your sins away and granted you eternal life. He has promised that nothing can separate you from his love because of what Jesus has done for you. And he takes great pleasure in giving you all these good gifts. You don’t need to be afraid.

YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN JESUS. HE BELONGS TO YOU, AND YOU BELONG TO HIM.

You have been gifted the kingdom of God. This isn’t just entrance into heaven. You have been given the kingdom itself. You have been given Jesus. He belongs to you, and you belong to him. This is God’s gift to the world. When this gift arrived on Christmas, fear’s rule ended. You don’t need to be afraid.

Is there much to fear in this world? Yes. But all of it has been swallowed up in the good gifts of God’s promises.

Heavenly Father, when I am afraid, remind me of these words from my Good Shepherd and give me peace. Amen.