In Spite of Fear

They were on their way up to Jerusalem with Jesus leading the way. The disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid (Mark 10:32).  Dismal times… uncertain days… fear and trepidation. Not much has changed in two thousand years, has it?

Many times Jesus said to His disciples, “Fear not.”   Then one day, He set out for Jerusalem. A cross awaited Him there. He started walking ahead, and they were fearful. The future became uncertain. 

The disciples were astonished.  Jerusalem did not seem like the place from which to scale the heights of the Kingdom since all the Pharisees hated Jesus and wanted to kill Him. Jesus was the Lamb approaching a pack of wolves. His followers were afraid. They sensed something momentous was about to take place although they didn’t understand.  I’ve been there, too, haven’t you?

It was easy to follow Jesus early on in our walk with Him; nevertheless, the day comes when He pushes ahead and says, “Follow Me.”  It is at this point that many terminate their pilgrimage.  Fear rises up like an ominous beast. The faint of heart turn and run. 

In the beginning, we followed Him for our own benefit. Salvation. Peace. Blessings. Fellowship. Then He raised the stakes… “Will you follow Me for My sake and for the sake of the Kingdom?”  Then He walked ahead.

Are you at a point in your life where Jesus is walking ahead, and you don’t know where He is going?  Maybe He is walking deeper into the wilderness, and you think the way out is in the opposite direction. Disregard the fear and follow Him. He has not given us “a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).  It’s natural to fear the unknown, but “do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the Kingdom” (Luke 12:32).

Maybe being a disciple of Jesus means being afraid most of the time and never quite understanding what’s going on…. and still following Him anyway.

Blessings,

Kenny