Fear kept him from going where he wanted to go.
One of my family’s favorite things to do during
the Christmas season is looking at lights. One Sunday evening, my wife,
daughter, her two sons at the time, and I decided to ride to a neighboring town
where the local park was decorated. And where Santa sat in a Boy Scout hut
giving out candy, asking children what they wanted for Christmas, and letting
them take a picture with him. The grandkids were excited.
Our one-hour drive had given our grandsons time
to fall asleep. Waking them brought tears, whines, and a reluctant agreement to
get out and see the lights and Santa. As we stood in line outside the small
hut, they screamed, whined, and growled. Our daughter finally had enough and
said, “Let’s go.” No Santa.
Both boys calmed down after a stroll around the
park, so we decided to try the “Ho Ho” thing again. This time, they were
excited. But when we made it inside the hut, only one remained excited enough
to sit on Santa’s lap. The younger one wanted to get close enough for a candy
cane but wasn’t about to sit on Ho Ho’s lap. Excitement drew him, but fear
drove him away.
Jesus must have been a little different than
Santa. Since the disciples were trying to keep the children away from him, the
children must have been flocking to him—sitting on his lap, gathering around
his feet, asking him questions, wanting him to tell stories.
Some maintain the Old Testament God is different
than the New Testament Jesus. I beg to differ. The writers of the Old Testament
tended to emphasize God’s holy nature. He cannot look upon sin and will punish
those who choose to rebel against His standards. Thus the fear—or holy
reverence—of him.
Jesus, however, showed us God’s loving side. Yes,
he has standards, but his love reaches all people—and so does his offer of
forgiveness. Like the little children and the crowds, God wants people to flock
to him. He created us for a relationship with him.
Don’t let fear keep you away from God. Like
Santa, he wants you to sit on his lap, spend some time with him, and get to
know him. It’s a decision you won’t regret.
Father, take away my fear or unconcern so that I
will come to you for comfort, encouragement, guidance, and forgiveness.
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