Fear does terrible things to us, doesn’t it? It causes us to make fools of ourselves. It limits our aspirations. It makes us see things that are not there.

A sad event that was caused by fear occurred at the zoo in Omaha, Nebraska sometime back. Twenty-three wallabies died after stray dogs got into the zoo one night.

Ironically, the dogs were unable to get inside the wallaby enclosure. But they didn’t have to: the wallabies died from internal injuries suffered while crashing into the fence and one another. They were literally scared to death.

Twenty-three wallaby carcasses, including fifteen adults and eight babies, testify to the consuming strength and intensity of fear.

I wonder how many of us give in to the bondage of fear? I know of young people who have messed up their lives because they were afraid to say “no” to the crowd, people who have given up on life because they no longer have confidence in their ability to cope. Small business owners fear they may not be able to make it, while their employees fear the loss of jobs.

We have seen the results of the lack of policing in major cities, and now our urban brothers and sisters fear leaving their homes, not from the virus but from the violence.

The list goes on and on of the lives that fear has crippled. So it’s good news indeed to read our lesson for today, “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption….”

Notice that this message is addressed to believers. The Apostle Paul is not speaking to the world, but to the church. That says to me that FEAR IS OUR ENEMY.

Think of how often in the scriptures we read the words, “Fear not.” The call to follow Christ is a call to boldness. It is a call to let our light shine for all the world to see. It is a call to courage.

The opposite of faith is not doubt; the opposite of faith is fear. Fear is our enemy.

When we fear, we have a false view of reality. Fear makes us give up before we even begin. It causes us to take an alternate route rather than the road that leads to our destination. It makes us see obstacles rather than opportunities.

Fear is our enemy. It distorts reality. While it may serve a useful function in isolated circumstances, when it becomes a pervasive influence in our lives, it is destructive. So then, what is the cure? How can we be freed from the curse of fear?

Well, WE CAN BEGIN WITH A COMMITMENT TO BOLDNESS. Let us first acknowledge that fear is the opposite of faith. “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear…” Fear is a spiritual problem. Consider, for example, Apostle Paul. He was confronted with shipwrecks, imprisonment, beatings, and all manner of physical and social persecution.

Now he simply could not have been the ambassador for Christ that he was if he had given in to his fears. And neither can we. We don’t often talk about the risk of faith, but there is risk involved.

Remember, Jesus talked in terms of losing one’s life in order to save it. That kind of talk is not for timid souls. You and I both know that there are some people who would never willingly lose their life. They are always trying to minimize their risks.

They are like the African impala which can leap to a height of over 10 feet and cross a distance of greater than 30 feet. Yet these amazing creatures can be kept in an enclosure in any zoo with a mere 3-foot solid wall. An impala will not jump if it cannot see where it’s feet will land.

Can you see how contrary this is to the call of Christ? In frightening times we cannot be timid. In frightening times we can take bold actions.

“Let your light so shine…” says Jesus. Don’t hide it under a bushel. “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear…”

Let’s make a new commitment today to spiritual boldness. Be more concerned with being respected than being liked! Let the world know what you’re made of! Make a commitment to courage!

But wait. There is more to Paul’s admonition. “For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the spirit of adoption…”  YOU AND I HAVE BEEN ADOPTED.

Visualize in your mind that the wealthiest person in the world comes to you and says, “I have decided to legally adopt you.” Then he adds, “That means that someday everything I have will be yours.” Think how your life would be changed.

Now imagine that the Lord of the universe comes to you and says the same thing. But that isn’t a dream, that has actually happened to us. You and I have been adopted by God. Why are we afraid?

A seminary professor was the guest preacher at church. The pastor of the church had a son named Ryan who was twenty-seven years old, but still lived at home with his parents because he was born with Down’s Syndrome.

Everyone who meets Ryan can sense what a joy he is to his family and friends. He sings in the church choir and has a marvelous sense of humor. And he also has a job at the local grocery store that he takes very seriously.

One day as he was riding to church with his father, Ryan said, “Dad, I wish I could drive a car.” His father’s answer was kind and gentle, “You know why you can’t drive, don’t you?”

Ryan replied, “Yes, because I have Down’s Syndrome, and in the state of Texas, I can’t get a license.”

After the service the congregation was invited to ask the professor questions. Ryan had a question. He asked, “Do you think if Jesus saw me, he would see someone who is not normal? Would he see someone with Down’s Syndrome?”

A great silence spread through the church. “Ryan,” the seminary professor answered, “I believe that Jesus would see what I see. When I look at you, I do not see someone with Down’s Syndrome. I see a wonderful, delightful child of God.”

It was obvious that Ryan liked that answer. Beaming, he said, “I know just what you mean, because when I receive communion and see the hands of my daddy giving me the bread, I look up and I do not see my dad. Instead I see the face of Jesus.”

Ryan has something you and I need: he knows that he has been adopted.

Fear is our enemy. We need to know this.

May we make a commitment to living boldly for Christ. Let’s start living out our adoption as sons and daughters of God.

Remember this poem if you find yourself afraid:

Doubt sees the obstacles;
Faith sees the way.
Doubt sees the darkest night;
Faith sees the day,
Doubt dreads to take a step;
Faith soars on high.
Doubt questions,
“Who Believes?”
Faith answers,
“I.”

Pastoral Prayer

Creating God; we ask you to reveal your divine image in our lives and your glory this world. Guide us with your vision when we lose our way, and claim us again and again in an everlasting covenant.

Redeeming Christ; we ask you gather up our doubts and transform them into confidence; surround our fears and transform them into faithfulness; pick up our broken lives and transform us into your body.

Abiding Spirit: we ask you to hold fast to us so that we can stand firm amidst the trials of this life; fill us with your gifts, so we can shine forth with your goodness.

Open our minds to grow in your divine wisdom and knowledge, to learn to live as you intend.

Open our hearts so we may become closer to you, ease our worries about this mortal life, to rest in your care. We ask that you comfort those who mourn and heal those who are broken in body, mind or spirit.We gather as your people to offer our prayers of thanks, to confide our fears, to ask for your help. Inspire us to new ways to serve as Christ’s body in this community and world. We offer these prayers in one voice:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.