Do we stand outside the ark and not go in? Not walk the ramp to salvation, to eternity. Are we on the outside looking in? Just maybe we think we don’t need to get in the boat. Maybe we’re afraid to walk the ramp.
Do we stand behind on the shore by the sea, the chariots approaching, but we’re afraid to step onto dry land that was once wet. Maybe, we’re afraid to take the step.
Do we stand before the altar and refuse to give in? Are we willing, if asked, to give up our ways, our wants, our desires? We are asked, you know, to sacrifice our ways for the only Way. Maybe, we’re afraid to offer the sacrifice.
Do we stand in the desert afraid to unpeg our tent in this world and drive our pegs into eternity? Maybe, we’re afraid of the Promised Land.
Do we stand at the manger, afraid of becoming part of the nativity? Afraid to admit that the baby laying there is the Savior of the World. Afraid to acknowledge that we need saving? Maybe, we’re afraid to believe.
Do we stand outside the Temple unable to hear the boy-King? So many worldly voices calling our names that it’s hard to distinguish the voice of God. Not giving credence to His teachings. Not wanting to hear. Maybe, we’re afraid of knowledge.
Do we stand in the tomb of the dead, afraid to come out on that fourth day when called by our weeping Savior? Maybe, we’re afraid to be raised from the dead.
Do we stand in back of the crowd and watch as He heals every kind of sickness and disease from within and yet not seek hearing? Maybe, we’re afraid of The Cure.
Do we stand in the back of the line hiding so we’re not seen? Afraid of being called His child. Afraid of leaving the old life behind. Maybe, we’re afraid of being chosen.
Do we stand in the room watching as the supper is passed? All of our brothers around. Not fully understanding. Asking the wrong questions? Maybe, we’re afraid of what we don’t understand.
Do we stand in the crowd as He is handed over, afraid to speak? Afraid of being related, connected to Him. Are we afraid of what others will say – do? Maybe, we’re afraid of rejection.
Do we stand before the cross as Jesus dies, and not see the life? Afraid the cost is too high. Afraid of our unworthiness. Maybe, we’re afraid of commitment.
Do we stand before the tomb? Afraid of what we’ll see. Afraid of the death inside, and our dying outside. Maybe, we’re afraid of death.
Do we stand before the Risen Lord? Speechless. Afraid of His love. Afraid of our lowliness. Maybe, we’re afraid of life – eternal life.
Maybe, we’re afraid …
…to get in the boat?
…to step foot onto dry land?
…to offer the sacrifice?
…to enter the Promised Land?
…to believe?
…to know who He is?
…to be raised from the dead?
…of The Cure?
…of being chosen?
…of what we don’t understand?
…of rejection?
…of commitment?
…of death?
…of life – eternal life?
…of Jesus?
Maybe…Where do you stand? What are you afraid of? Jesus requires an answer. We cannot just stand. We cannot remain immobile. Not answering is an answer. Maybe, instead of standing, we need to bow. Bow at the foot of the cross, looking to the Only One who can help us stand. What will it take for us to stand? To stand as resurrected people beside the resurrected One so that every day is Resurrection Day?