May 2013
The Pastor’s Ponderings Pastor David’s cell phone—765-330-4170 and email address —fleeneda@gmail.com There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. -1 John 4:18 As the shock over the Boston Marathon bombings abates, we find ourselves, once again, coping with the aftermath of senseless violence. One suspect is dead; the other is in custody. Pundits and politicians have tried to make sense of the situation, some offering “solutions” that seem to be nothing more than a reaction out of fear. One New York state senator suggested resorting to torture to “save lives”; others have suggested closing the borders to students from predominantly Muslim countries. I think this time offers a tremendous opportunity for us, as Christians first and Americans second, to reflect on the kind of society we want to be. Are we people who react out of fear, grasping at a mirage of security? Or are we people who are willing to live in uncertainty, knowing that our true security – our eternal security – can only be found in Jesus Christ? When John wrote his letter to this particular community of Christians, he knew they had much to fear. A regional governor might decide to crack down on a group of Christians. Christians might have difficulty participating in the economic system of the day, as trade guilds often offered sacrifices to Roman gods. On top of that, John’s community seems to have had internal divisions. John counseled that these divisions could only be overcome with love – agape love – the kind of love that selflessly seeks the good of the neighbor. He writes, “Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7) Only this love makes a relationship with God possible. Only this love can cast out the fear that paralyzes and leads to hate. In John’s Gospel, Jesus assures his disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” Christ is our only true peace and security. He is the one who will not let us be “snatched out of his hand” (John 10:28). No matter what happens, then, Christ is our “mighty fortress” when our world tumbles to ash. So what do we do as people who belong to Christ? Know that nothing can ever change Christ’s love for you. All of our eternal destinies are in his hands, and he will keep them safe. God grant us all the assurance that he is with us, no matter what happens. See you in church! Pr. David