The possibility of terror has the potential to be a distraction in your worship of God. Whether on foreign soil or domestic there are those who are dedicated to seeing Americans struck down. Their objective is to create terror in the hearts of Americans. To some extent this objective is being reached. There was another sad, tragic reminder of the evil of terror in Chattanooga, just days ago. There is every indication that the desire of jihadists is to create as much fear as possible in our land.
How can we, as Christians, be an encouragement to those overwhelmed by credible terror threats? We can start with Christ’s words to his disciples, whom he knew would have their lives threatened and face death on his behalf. Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid of those who can kill the body but not the soul. If you want to fear someone, fear the one can destroy body and soul in hell.
So we can react with confidence in the face of terror and be an encouragement to those around us. In Matthew 10 Jesus brings gentle encouragement to his followers. He tells them it is God who has the real power over body and soul. Then he tenderly comforts his followers by reminding them that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from their Father’s care. He follows that by saying that God even knows the number of hairs on your head. So, don’t fear for you are worth more than many sparrows.
The world is not stumbling out of control. Your loving heavenly father is committed to care for you no matter how serious the threat of terror. Focus on the goodness of God and the power of the gospel. Pray for the defeat of terrorists and for protection of those who defend us. This will allow you to be a light in a world that fears. Your worship is a celebration of the lovingkindness of your God, even in the face of terror!
Matthew 10:28-31
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.