October 13, 2007
The Fight Against Fear
READ: Hebrews 2:9-18
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. —Psalm 23:4
In his landmark book The Denial of Death, author and anthropologist Ernest Becker argues that all of our anxieties and fears are rooted in our dread of death. Although Becker was not a Christ-follower, his scholarly study could serve as a commentary on Hebrews 2, which tells us that in our natural state we are subject to the fear of death throughout life (v.15).
We all know something about fear. And certainly the men and women we meet in the Bible were subject to fear, ranging from a mere tremor of anxiety all the way to terrifying panic. But there is never a need to panic, even in the face of death. Our Lord has experienced death and conquered it!
The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus "was made a little lower than the angels, . . . that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone" (2:9). Through His death Christ has defeated "him who had the power of death, that is, the devil," granting us our "release" from the "fear of death" (vv.14-15).
Are you victimized by your fears? Recall the wonderful, dread-dispelling promise of Scripture: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isa. 41:10).
Christ will hold me fast;
When the tempter would prevail,
He will hold me fast. —Habershon
