Fear Not?

A. Unabashed Pacifist:

Did Jesus say anything more often than “Fear not?” Peace now.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

In you, I have security that is real.
In you, nothing can threaten.
In you, I fear no evil.
In you, there is nothing to fear.
In you, my soul knows peace.
In you, even death is no enemy.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus:

“Help me run my lines, Jesse. You know we’re performing Godspell on the Sabbath.”

[Maybe that’s how He got his start? Not!]

D. Blog: A Parable

“But in This I Do Not Commend You”

An old lighthouse had saved many ships and lives from destruction along a stormy coast. Its volunteer crew took pride in what it did. Over the years, however, the crew aged. Younger people decided they would be more comfortable living inland, away from all the storms. The lighthouse continued sending out its strong light, however.

Around the lighthouse grew a town full of appreciative artists, small businesses, and tourists. Eventually, the town’s bright lights made people wonder whether the lighthouse still served a purpose. Most of the crew even moved inland to escape both the storms and the growing population. Upkeep of the lighthouse became difficult. Townspeople still liked to take children to see it, though, and to have them learn the grand tradition of the lighthouse.

In a time of tight budgets and environmental concern, a new town council decided to tax the lighthouse property, and passed an ordinance to reduce night lighting. Somebody asked about the safety of those at sea. “Oh, it’s the lighthouse’s job to take care of that,” said the council chairman. Of course, he had only gone inside it as a child, but he admired it.