Pastor's Ponderings, April 4, 2016

Who Are You Going to Call, GhostBusters?

In 1984, the blockbuster movie, “GhostBusters” was released with an immensely popular lyric, “I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.” However, many do have phobias or fears that they cannot shake from Ablutophobia- Fear of washing or bathing to Zoophobia- Fear of animals. There are over five hundred different fears in the Phobia List including a fear of ghosts called Phasmophobia. 

But fear is not from God. He does not send fear but gives us power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).  On the contrary, those who love God can go about as bold as lions (Proverbs 28:1).  A good example of obeying God rather than fear is found in the biblical book of Jeremiah. The prophet Jeremiah gave directions to Zedekiah, the last king of Israel, to obey God who could deliver him from death.   However, the king was afraid of the citizens killing him.  Jeremiah warned him that he would live only if he obeyed God’s command (Jeremiah 38:19-20).  Jeremiah could give this direction easily because God had directed him not be afraid of anyone (Jeremiah 1:8).

What are you afraid of today?  Is it ISIS, the Zika virus, some phobia on the list or some new torture from the evil one? This week, we have to remind ourselves that fear is not of God. Let us not choose fear, but chose obedience to God who will bless and protect us.

Proverbs 28:1
King James Version (KJV)

28 The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion

2 Timothy 1:7                                                    
New International Version (NIV)

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Jeremiah 38:19-20
New International Version (NIV)

19 King Zedekiah said to Jeremiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have gone over to the Babylonians, for the Babylonians may hand me over to them and they will mistreat me.”

20 “They will not hand you over,” Jeremiah replied. “Obey the Lord by doing what I tell you. Then it will go well with you, and your life will be spared.

Jeremiah 1:8
New International Version (NIV)

8 Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.