Be Not Afraid
Luke 2:10 – Be Not Afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy
which shall be to all the people.
Jesus uttered the phrase – be not afraid in varying ways throughout His ministry. It served as a call to believe in the unseen and a centering prayer with trust that a God of love and justice would prevail. Be not afraid often precedes wondrous and transformative movements in biblical narratives. From Mary, the Mother of Christ to Elizabeth, her relative and mother of John the Baptist – the charge to be not afraid resonated as a miracle was on the horizon.
It is one thing to receive the charge to be courageous. It is another to accept the call and commit to a life of prophetic witness. Mary and Elizabeth embraced their special calling and praised God for the opportunity to be living testimonies and vessels for God’s glory.
God chose Mary and Elizabeth to be vessels for the coming of the Lord. The Word and the Wild voice in the Wilderness, who would pave the way for the Messiah, were both nurtured in the wombs of these highly favored miracle mothers.
Their testimonies began with a beckoning to put their trust and hope in God. Be not afraid and believe the promises of God will be fulfilled. Be not afraid, and the Word of God will not return void even in what appears to be the most impossible circumstances! This Easter season, we carry the hope, courage, and prayer of “Be Not Afraid” as we navigate the challenges of today. I glean from the tenacity of Mary and Elizabeth, and I am uplifted by the radical resistance of a risen Christ who assures us, “See – I know the plans I have for you – for you to prosper and have a future and hope!” (Jeremiah 29:11)
We have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord. From generation to generation, God’s mercy endures.
Don’t be distracted by the Herods and the evils of this world, even as they sit in high places and use their powers to oppress and dispossess others. Don’t be dismayed by those who seek to devour, steal elections, and kill innocent lives through racialized violence – targeting Black and Brown bodies for driving while Black, sleeping while Black, going to church while Black, pumping gas while Black, or walking home while Black. Instead, be bold believers as we take on the missions of justice, reciprocity, accountability, peace-building, love, and righteousness. There will be uncertainties, and surely, weapons will form against us. But God assures us they will not prosper. (Psalm 27:3)
As we celebrate the radical rising of Christ, let us unapologetically accept the call to be fearless in doing justice, fearless in being vessels of love, fearless in truth-telling, and fearless in the hospitality, welcome, and love we extend to humanity and God’s creation.
This Easter, let us be the Beloved Community we seek. Let us be the prophetic witnesses of God’s promises fulfilled. So when we have elected officials who wish to take us back to the good old days – who wish to make racism, white hoods, and burning crosses great again – we can declare:
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“…be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)
“For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you. ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” (Isaiah 41:13)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Mark 5:36 tells us – don’t yield to fear. All you need to do is to keep on believing!
What are you worried about. Don’t you know that the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Luke 12:7)
God assures us that we do not have to be afraid of the confusion, chaos, or the crimes against humanity. Instead, embrace the covenant, charge, and command to Believe in the unfailing love, grace, and faithfulness of God.
Be not afraid.
With Love and Lament,
Rev. Dr. Waltrina N. Middleton
Executive Director
And the staff of Community Renewal Society