Fearless (A Bonus Post!)
June 9, 2014
READ
But recall those earlier days when, after you had been enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to abuse and persecution, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting. Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. (Hebrews 10:32-35)
REFLECT
This week we commemorated the feast of the Martyrs of Uganda (read more here: http://lectionarypage.net/LesserFF/Jun/Uganda.html]) and this passage from Hebrews is the first lesson. It is a fitting lesson for a martyrs’ feast day. For most readers of this website, the idea of martyrdom will seem remote and incomprehensible. But the reality is that even in our time, there are Christians whose faith is a witness in danger, and martyrdom is a real possibility.
Thanks be to God, most of us will not be called to offer witness at the expense of our lives. We should not, however, imagine that the Christian’s task is to dwell in comfort and safely. Discipleship is meant to be costly, filled with risk. If being a Christian seems easy and safe, we’re not doing it right.
In this Easter season, we should practice being fearless. After all, we celebrate the fact that God’s love is stronger than death. What then should we fear?
What does a fearless faith look like? Willing martyrs are one sign of a fearless faith. So are truly prophetic preachers, Christians who enter dangerous places to care for those in need, and even more mundane acts of love and faith. The practice of forgiveness after great wrong requires some fearlessness. Believing that a dwindling congregation could end its life — or change dramatically to grow again — requires fearlessness. Every day we are given some choices. Will we have a confident, fearless faith? Will we take the easy path or the risky path? What kind of disciples are we?
-Scott Gunn
RESPOND
Do one fearless thing today. Share what that’s like on your Facebook page, or email a friend, or talk with someone. If we could all encourage one another in bold faith, the world will surely change.
Beth FitzPatrick
I have really enjoyed the postings on 50 Days of Fabuloous! They have become a central part of my daily meditations…thank you so much! I am going to miss them….
Hope Wilson
I was so happy to see this bonus post this morning. It was exactly what I needed at a very difficult time in my life of faith. Thank you!
Susan
Thank you–as I approach another day where I awoke at 4 a.m., full of anxiety and fear, I’ll try to keep that last paragraph in mind throughout the day.
George E. Hilty
Thank you, Scott Gunn, for implementing the 50 days of Easter postings, last year and this. It has helped me to understand and to live in the reality that Easter is more than a day, a season during which we may more fully and deeply live out the reality of the Resurrection. Than you, Laurie Brock, for overseeing the daily meditations and giving me a glimpse of your humor. I checked your blog and had a real belly laugh at your cartoons of how others see us Episcopalians and how we see ourselves. And thanks, Tim Schenk, for the recent meditation about our journey over Lent and Easter. Aloha & SHALOM!