Devotional Reading: John 9: 18-41. Morning Psalm 34; Evening Psalm 25

Text: His parents said this because they were afraid of the enemies of Jesus…(v. 22)

Fear. For the longest time I was afraid of flying. In my own mind, I was afraid for good reason but in reality my fear of flying cut me off of many opportunities and forever changed the trajectory of my life.

Fear may keep us from doing certain things but it also leads us do things that we later regret. Fear appeals to the shadow-side of our soul. It is fear that leads nations to build internment camps and dividing walls. It is fear that segregates  neighborhoods. It is fear that divides us, one from the other. It was fear that led the blind man’s parents in today’s gospel to “throw their son under the bus.”

“Be not afraid” is one of if not the most often command given in both the Old and New Testaments. In this season of Lent, let’s take a few minutes to reflect upon those things that we are afraid of. Let’s face our fears. Name them. And then, recall the words that greeted the women at the Tomb, “Be not afraid.”

God of Grace and Glory, give us Wisdom, give us Courage for the facing of today and all of our days. Amen.