As we walk through this Holy Week, we look back and reflect on the themes of Lent we have explored so far--commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice and trust. Jesus is our example for each and he shows us the motivation for each.
It is His motivation that it would seem many fear. And yet, the Bible said when this is our motivation for commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice and trust all fear is cast out. So, what is this motivation that many fear and, yet, has the power to dispel all fear? The motivation is LOVE. All of the other themes of Lent are empty of meaning and power if they are not fueled by love.
The Bible explains, "God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. Love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The man or woman who fears is not made perfect in love" 1 John 4:16-18.
It goes back to what we talked about on Sunday. Why do want a "Warrior" image of God? Why do we say, "God is not just love" and then reference God's judgment as though it is some how separated from His love. No...No...again, NO! The Bible says, "God is love." End of statement. Period. Any addition to God's nature is our addition, but it is not biblical. God is love! Why do we resist this? Why do so many fear this? Why do we hesitate to simply and humbly receive that God is love. Because God is love, he is just. Because God is love, he will judge the living and the dead. Because he is love, he will discipline us as a parent disciplines his or her child. All that God does flows out of who God is--love!
"There is no fear in love." How much of your relationship with God is driven by fear and its comrades, guilt and shame? Jesus suffered, died and rose again to free you of that not enslave you in it. Perfect love drives out fear. What is it going to take for you to have fear driven out of your view of God and how you relate to him?
Jesus' answer to that question was three words, "It is accomplished", which he punctuated with the cross. Will you receive his answer? His death has accomplished fear being chased away by love. Will you let what what his love has already accomplished be accomplished in you? If you will, then commitment, obedience, purpose, sacrifice, trust...it all becomes about his love.
His love is what we reflect on this Friday as we force ourselves to stare at his blood. His love is what we celebrate this Sunday as we stare into an empty tomb. Brother and Sister in Christ, will you--not the unbeliever--but will you, receive his offer of perfect love that casts out all fear?
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