#FEARLESS365 is a yearlong study of God’s commandment to us to live without fear. For 365 days, we will focus on one scripture and volunteers from all over the world will share their personal thoughts and what God has shared with them on the specific verse. For more info… go here.
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
Matthew 17:6-8 (NIV)
These are powerful verses. I think these three sentences say a great deal. Many times when I am afraid, I hear Jesus’ words resonate to me in comfort. I can’t help but think, though, how astounding it would be to have him reaching his hand down to me in person. The sheer notion of his gracious hand reaching to pull me out of my fear is a heart drawing thought that brings me immediate comfort. “Get up” he said. “Don’t be afraid”. How soothing is it to have someone of authority validate your fears, choosing to comfort you in your time of distress? Parents who comfort their children create a lifetime of security. Imagine our lives if we always lived in fright and despair. The simple idea of an outreached hand can be essential to our spiritual survival. To think of the son of God authoritatively speak words of comfort, is very reassuring.
Also potent in these verses, is the description of the fear felt by the disciples. If you can think of a time when you were afraid, were you ever so shaken with fear that you fell face down into a bow of terror? Have you ever quivered at the power of the thundering voice of God overhead? The first verse represents a fear we can only somewhat imagine. Yet, Jesus was still there to reassure the presence of his father. It is a spectacular thought to know there is comfort when we are shivering in our darkest corners. There is a hand when are most ashamed and a voice when heads are met with the ground.
“ 8 When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.” Moses was no longer standing at the side the of Jesus. Elijah was not present. There were no jewels, money, or false gods. There were no cars, weapons, or electronics. There were no friends or other people pulling them from the muck of fear. There was only one. Jesus was their way to comfort. He was their way to understand God. He was there truth and their solace. Only one man, the son of God, was the access to the Father. Only Jesus was able to lead them to a level of compassion only obtainable through the almighty God.
Tammy Fleming Graham is from Culpeper, VA. She is a single mother of an 11 year old son, a 14 year old daughter, a very fluffy fur baby cat, and a box turtle.
Defying Shadows 