Fear is a mark of the damage sin has done. It ruptures relationships and is intimately connected to death. It is exploited by evil in all manner of ways to hinder and harm. Fear breeds suspicion. Fear grows selfishness. Fear paralyses and kills love. We know that all too well, to our deep shame.
And so to an upper room…
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
(John 20:19,20)
Once again it is evening and once again there is fear. But this time it’s fear of man, not the Lord. A fear that the same fate will befall the disciples that had consumed Jesus, their beloved Master. A fear of beating and humiliation; a fear of death.
And then, wonderfully, “Jesus came and stood among them”.
He’s there alive and speaking words of peace. He shows them his hands and his side, the evidence of his slaughter at the hands of his enemies. And their response to such a sight, to the devastating display of the horrors of death and the mauling meted out by sin and evil? “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” The one standing among them, whose ruptured side and battered hands are in full view, is the LORD.
And his presence is evidence that the wounds have not won, that death has been dethroned. Far from denying his lordship, these scars are the crown he wears, the vindication of his reign, the symbols of his victory.
And they are the reason why evening fear - all fear - can (and ultimately will) be banished forever.
Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus, this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus’ bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus’ keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.
Peace, perfect peace, death shadowing us and ours?
Jesus has vanquished death and all its powers.
It is enough: earh's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heaven's perfect peace.
(Edward Henry Bickersteth 1825-1906)
