reality of fear: then and now

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 

Psalm 5:11

I decided to revisit the book, The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare. I reread it a few years back and even blogged about it. Something about this book has stuck with me since originally reading it in elementary school. It takes place during the time of Jesus. He was living and walking the Earth. His reputation was growing and people, even in remote areas had begun to hear about him. 

It was a time that was filled with everyday terror. The Romans were feared. And hated. The thought of living under such tyranny seems completely foreign. I don't know starvation. I don't know what it would mean to witness the slaughter of my people. I don't know real injustice like that in my own life. 

That's the time of early Christians. Real injustice. Real fear. Fear of not only persecution, but death. 

And there was this man named Jesus, preaching boldly and telling people to love their enemies. To pray for those who persecute you.

Hello? Excuse me, sir? Love the Romans? Pray for them? Uh, no.

I can see myself being that person. But it's mainly because I was so afraid of them. They ruled and they hated me.

My fears dwarf when I think of that kind of fear. 

Books like The Bronze Bow allow me think of what Jesus was saying and living in the context of their reality. We read those words and they resonate with us. But when we suspend our own everyday and think about what his words meant in the face of death. Of real fear. Wow. 

The Zealots of the day turned their fear into rage. Overturning the enemy with force and sometimes, the sharp end of a blade. But Jesus entered onto the scene and spread such a different message.

He calls us to love, pray, and forgive. We find refuge in Him. He protects us. And in that process, we will sing for joy. 

Sing for joy. Early Christians read those words and it meant something to them. His protection meant something. His presence meant life over death. Love over hate. Hope over despair. Joy over fear.