Fear Not!

Jesus told his 12 disciples, who were being sent into the teeth of the enemy to preach the Gospel, not to fear men. And so they went forth, ultimately to martyrdom. Each of the 12 shields of the apostles in the great arch of this church has the instrument of that apostle's death emblazoned on it. Even John, who was not martyred, was poisoned and barely survived. Yet Jesus' words rang true, for they were armed with the death and resurrection of Jesus, and so now they have received the crown of glory. So also must we learn to step into life without fear, for these words are also for us Christians to take to heart: fear not! the very hairs of your head are numbered. He not only knows all things, he knows every particular thing about you and your life, and his wise providence orders  them all for your benefit, for he cares for you, who are of great value to him. Although we enter the kingdom of heaven through much tribulation, we do enter therein at last, through  the mercies of God in Christ. Sermon for midweek of Trinity VII.