Security

Luke 21: 5 - 11

When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened...

I read somewhere that the words "Do not be afraid' are wonderful words of consolation from God to his people whenever a situation brings fear and uncertainty. Mary the mother of Jesus heard these words from the angel when she was called to take part in God's great plan to rescue humankind. The people Jesus addressed must have been startled to hear that the temple, the 'house of God' to them, would be destroyed. Their personal and national symbol of security was going to fall apart.

We can never fully understand this unless we step into their shoes. The physical buildings that house our churches may not mean that much to us now. But at that time, the temple was the place where God lived among his chosen people. But that does not make us immune to fears and insecurities. I guess we have personal places of security, for example, things we hold closely because we feel that God has blessed us with them. These things may well topple, in light of the uncertain times we live in. All the events mentioned - wars, earthquakes, famines and plagues have taken place and are still taking place. There is really no way to feel really secure in this fallen world. Like most people, I would like to hold on to things that give me a sense of stability. But Jesus warns that in fact, anything can happen, anytime, then and now. These past two weeks I have grown a little insecure as my son says that his STPM exams are much more difficult than he expected. It's not that I have high expectations of him, but I guess there is a sense of security in hoping that he has done well in an exam. Not a life and death matter of course but nevertheless, certain hopes may have to topple.

The only security lies in his words, "Do not be frightened". No other clear 'promises' are given in these perilous days. Only the Voice that says as he did many times in the past, "Do not fear". That will reassure, that is, if I listen more deeply to his voice than to what seems much louder, causing me to panic.