3 Fears for Mary

Fear is a recurring theme in the Bible. But when God says “don’t be afraid” he always follows it up with the reason why.

Here’s an account of three terrifying incidents that shaped the life of Mary. It includes a reading of the poem Mary Went Looking for Jesus by Bob Hartman.

This recording has been condensed for 7minutes.net.

Fear and the Bible

Some fear is good eg we need teach children to have a healthy fear of busy roads. But fears which are allowed to grow unchecked become unhealthy and prevent us from living life as we ought. Someone once told me that the instruction “do not fear” occurs in the Bible 365 times, one for every day of the year. I didn’t search for all of them but here are half a dozen:. Notice that God never simply commands us to not be afraid. He says “don’t be afraid” – but then he gives the reason why. God never just instructs us to “pull yourself together, stop being foolish”. He gives the instruction — and then he gives the assurance:

Gen 26:24 I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you

Isaiah 41 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 43: “Do not be afraid, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. .

Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.

Luke 1:30–32 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.

Acts 18:9–10 One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you,