“Fear Not, I Am.”
“He (Jesus) laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am…” Rev. 1:17
Lord Jesus, we don’t need “a new word” for 2023—a pithy slogan or catchy phrase to rally around during the next twelve months. We only need these eternally true, time-tested, suffering-proven, grace-fueled words: “Fear not, I am.” This affirmation wasn’t just for the apostle John, but every generation of your people, and for each of us personally. Hallelujah, and thank you.
Jesus, if you only said, “Fear not,” the “onus” would fall on us to buck up and rid ourselves of our feelings of vulnerability, weakness, and anxiety. But the “I am” changes everything. Our fears are real; but Jesus you are 10,000 times greater and nearer than our fears. You alone are worthy of our absolute trust and heart-centering adoration.
What do we fear as 2023 begins? Many of the same fears John dealt with 2000 years before us: Life in a world that feels more evil than you appear to be in control, Jesus. Circumstances that seem to contradict your care, goodness, and provision. The fear of having to wait longer, love deeper, and endure more than the supply of grace and faith we have “in our tank.” The Gospel frees us to be this honest before you.
And that’s why you didn’t say to John or us, “You are”, but “I am.” In that moment of weakness, you gave John your nearness, and he fell down in adoring love. He remembered, he felt, he saw what you had taught him earlier about yourself—7 glorious “I am’s”, (recorded for us in his Gospel 25 years earlier).
“I am the bread of life.” (Jn. 6:35, 41, 48, 51)
“I am the light of the world.” (Jn. 8:12)
“I am the door of the sheep.” (Jn. 10:7,9)
“I am the resurrection and the life.” (Jn. 11:25)
“I am the good shepherd.” (Jn. 10:11,14)
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (Jn. 14:6)
“I am the true vine.” (Jn. 15:1, 5)
Jesus, every day in 2023, you will be saying to us in the Gospel, “Fear not, I am.” Whatever our need, there will be more of you. Whatever we fear, there will be more of you. Jesus may your perfect love wilt, then drive out our fears. Hallelujah, and So Very Amen.