And even the hairs on your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows (Matthew 10:31-32)

How often have we been asked if we would like to do something, yet something holds us back from responding positively? It may be that we are not interested. We may not have the time, energy or feel that we can adequately give of our best. We may be fearful of the consequences or uncertain of how it will be received. We may think that we are not worthy of doing it let alone wondering what other people will think. How very human this all sounds.

Our three readings each in their own way have a serious side and directness as well as offering us encouragement and hope.

The prophet Jeremiah lived through turbulent political times. He became increasingly isolated from the people he was born to serve and at times his life was threatened by them.

In his lament Jeremiah cries out that not to speak is as painful as the fear and loneliness that follows after he has spoken. It burns him up, and the pain of holding it in becomes too much. God only seems to give him words of “violence and destruction” however much he longs to speak of “love and reassurance”.   

The words that we hear from Jeremiah are words of deep depression and despair. Jeremiah almost hates God, though he is at least refreshingly honest about that. Perhaps God recognises something of the truth of the accusations Jeremiah is levelling against him?

Paul reminds us that God’s forgiveness is freely offered; it does not have to be earned, and it never can be.  But accepting it means stepping out of one life into another.  He also reminds us that “if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again”.

Christians disciples throughout the centuries have faced similar moments, as Jesus, warned them they would. Like Jeremiah, they have to tell the people what they are given to tell. Like Jeremiah, they cannot choose to soften the message if it is not to peoples’ likings. Like Jeremiah, knowing that God protects them, and that they are “of more value than many sparrows” to him, will not always be a great consolation.

Three times in our gospel reading, Jesus bids his disciples not to be afraid.  Did you notice them? The first is that they are not to be afraid because there is nothing covered that will not be unveiled, and nothing hidden which will not be known.  The second is that we are not to fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. The third is that they are not to fear and is based on the certainty and assurance of the loving care of God. If God cares for the sparrows, surely he will care for us?

So let us take courage and know that we cannot drift beyond the love of God. May we know that our times are forever in God’s hands; that God will not leave or forsake us and that we are surrounded forever and upheld by God’s care. If that is so – of whom shall we be afraid?

We thank you for counting us worthy to stand in your presence and to serve you. May all of us who share in the body and blood of Christ be brought together in unity by the Holy Spirit.