David Bahn – Reflections

Hebrews 2:14-18

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

What would be different in your life if you were not held captive to fear? “The chief activator of our defects has been self-centered fear.” So says the AA resource, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Likewise many, upon honest reflection, will admit that their worst moments in life spring from a self-centered fear. We are afraid we won’t be recognized at work for a job well done so we make a fool of ourselves trotting out our accomplishments. The only impression we make is that of a self-centered braggart. We are afraid that we are getting old so we buy the new provocative dress and lipstick that is a shade or two brighter. We end up calling attention to our vanity and self-focused anxiety. We are afraid that the neighbors are getting ahead of us so we buy the bigger car and make a point of showing off our new electronics. We succeed only is getting ourselves deeper in debt. We are too often slaves of our own fear.

Jesus has delivered us from such fears; if only we would live within that reality! We need be slaves to our fears any longer. The greatest enemy of all – death itself – has been conquered. We are brothers and sisters of the One who has overcome death and the devil himself. How vitally important this is: we have a champion. We need not be afraid. Certainly we need not be held captive by our fears.

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread – so goes the wise saying. Living bravely is no call to foolish living. But we need not be held captive to our fears. We can stare down the forces of evil around us. Jesus stands by us, knowing all the dangers we face and the temptations to give in to fear. We need never worry about being recognized, or getting old, or whether our car is as nice as the neighbor’s. We need not give into the temptations of self-centered fear, but hold fast to Jesus’ promises and live in the freedom that his redemption brings.