Messages of fear fill our world: fear of violence, disease, financial ruin, or simply being out of fashion. Often the message of the faith community gets lost in our fear of a contrary culture, an angry God, or a disappointing self.
How refreshingly different are Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid”—a simple yet profound declaration of God’s never-failing love. Do we sometimes feel overwhelmed by a culture increasingly indifferent to our faith? Yes, but Jesus identifies with the “little flock.” God does not panic at the signs of institutional decline, the growing numbers of those called the “nones” (not identifying with any organized religion) and “dones” (alumni of the church who aren’t going back). Nor should we.
We do not remain oblivious to the concerns, fears, and doubts of those around us. Rather, we take seriously the promise given by Jesus: “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” We do not create this kingdom nor are we to preserve our feeble efforts at kingdom building. Jesus and the Father (by the Holy Spirit) bring about the kingdom—the righteous rule of God. We look to see where God is at work building the kingdom and join in the process.
Naturally we fear, which is why Jesus reassures us. We don’t feel guilty over our fears; we acknowledge the reality that God has already anticipated them. We therefore have no need to live under their power. Jesus reminds us that God is at work. God intends and is able to bring about God’s kingdom. God will do it in God’s time and way. In the meantime we are “the little flock” under God’s protection.