Jaxen Dentler
My seven-year-old grandson Jaxsen was at his Uncle John’s for the pool opening in 2025. The water was still too cold for me, but Jax enjoyed the pool for a long afternoon. When he got out of the pool, he was shivering and said to John, “My teeth are shaking!”
We normally think of that kind of teeth rattling as either caused by cold or fear. And the Bible has a bit to say about fear! I found a list of Scriptures inviting us to “Be not afraid,” “fear not,” and “do not fear,” 365 to be exact! One for each day of the year! Do you think the Lord might be trying to tell us something?
(See: https://inspirationportal.org/complete-list-of-365-fear-not-in-the-bible to download the list for your study or devotional use.) Many in the Bible hear the words of comfort from God, “Do not be afraid!”
But there is much to be afraid of! Health issues, world crises, financial problems, relationship issues, national division, apostasy, moral decline … and more! So much to be afraid of! But we have the Lord, we have a Lord who is bigger than any fear you are facing. He loves you and will never, ever forsake you! In your deepest crisis, hear His strong, loving, reassuring word to you, “I am here, do not be afraid!”
But there is a powerful verse where Jesus does call us to fear. “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.” Matthew 10:28 NIV
We worry over many things of temporary significance. But eternal life, that’s real! When congregations and individuals made agonizing decisions to leave the Church of the Brethren to be part of the formation of the Covenant Brethren Church, the fear of the Lord was involved! When we see the Word of the Lord, His perfect truth, being neglected, mocked, or twisted, that is good reason to fear!
Billy Graham explained, “Fear is a twofold word. It refers to an emotion marked by dread and anxious concern. But it also means awe and wonder and profound reverence. This latter is the fear that inspires trust and confidence. The Bible calls us to have the latter kind of fear. When we fear God, we don’t cringe before Him like a prisoner robbed of freedom by a ruthless dictator. Our fear causes us to treat God with respect and trust. It is a reverence that comes from seeing the majesty and holiness and power of a loving Heavenly Father.” (Peace With God)
Maybe today your “teeth are shaking” from your time swimming in the pool of life. Perhaps you are facing big problems. Your God is bigger! Don’t be afraid! But as you see immorality being accepted as normal, God’s Word being discounted and ignored, let your fear of the Lord find you in the right place! Stand strong!
Larry M. Dentler, CBC Executive Board
