January 7, 2024 "Do Not Be Afraid"

So it's the first Sunday of Epiphany. During this season, we normally take a look at the stories in the Bible where God reveals God's self to people in new and different ways. This is certainly one of those stories. Jesus appears to John in a big robe with a golden sash. He's huge - his hair is white and his eyes are like fire and his feet are bronze and his voice is like rushing waters. We're taught by many voices on social media to fear things, things that don't even make sense, they often have no basis in logic at all. It's easy to get caught up in all of that and feel depressed and anxious. Fearful. John is found on the island called Patmos. It's a remote and desolate place. One thing this story is telling us is that there's no place we can find ourselves that God won't come to meet us. The people John was writing to needed to hear this. It means there's no hole big enough that God can't find us - wherever we are - God will come to us. Then John has his vision of Jesus. It's big, powerful, king Jesus looking all big and cosmic. But then, what are the first words from Jesus? "Do not be afraid." This is important - because many of us have been taught to be afraid of God. We have to do certain things and believe certain things to get in with God. And if we change our beliefs or do bad things, God will be angry. But what's the first thing Jesus says? "Do not be afraid." Jesus is essentially saying, "there will be all sorts of terrible and terrifying things that happen in life - but I'm with you through them all. In fact, I've already endured the worst humanity has to offer. I will be with you. I am not here to condemn you, but to be with you, forgive you, comfort you, and to transform you." Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: Revelation 1:9-20 http://bible.com/events/49194605