When you hear of wars and insurrections,
do not be terrified; for such things must happen first,
but it will not immediately be the end."
Scriptures old and new frequently remind us "Do not be afraid." That may be the first principle of, or the first thing we learn when we practice, faith.
Millions of people ride roller coasters every year. They may feel some anxiety as they board these contraptions, but it is a thrilling anxiety which converts the discomfort of being thrown against hard seats, metal bars and one another into pleasure. And many of them, afterward, line up to do it again -- even if they've heard of these mini-trains stalling, with their passengers hanging upside down in mid-flight.
Can we not translate that confidence in machinery into our trust in God. True -- we have heard stories of God's people suffering dreadfully at the hands of their enemies. But the same stories often tell us of their heroic courage; they would not even hate their enemies.
The human creature appears on a dynamic planet. There may be none remotely like it in the entire, vast universe. The more we learn of exoplanets the more we appreciate the uniqueness of our own, and the less likely a duplicate will appear. Born in such a moody, unpredictable world, and given our extraordinary ability to imagine the future and plan for it, we suffer anxiety. What if...? What if? and What if? again.
"What if there is no god?" Some people ask, and, "What if we are alone in the universe?" And, "What if the contractors cheated when they built the roller coaster and it collapses while you're on it?"
Yes, we can live that way if we so choose. We can suppose that no one is trustworthy, and that everything will collapse, and probably this afternoon. Or we can go on living the life we've been given courageously, generously, and with compassion for the cowardly.
Jesus made his prediction about the collapse of the temple -- not one stone left upon another -- with a pretty clear conception of what was about to happen. He'd come to Jerusalem to celebrate his final Passover, and to suffer his final agony. He knew his enemies were watching and plotting, and would spring upon him at any moment. He might be one of the millions who disappear when governments arbitrarily decide to move against them.
He chose courage and kindness, and his people choose to believe in him.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.