Matthew 21
When Fear Wins the Day!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church. Today is Friday, April 10
Fear causes people to do and say hurtful things. Fear changes the chemistry of your brain as you go into survival mode. Faith keeps us calm and helps us make better decisions—ones that are more right and true for long-term thriving. My advice in the COVID-19 pandemic is unchanging: “Remain Calm and Pray! God is with us!”
In Matthew chapter 21, verse 9, we read this account of Jesus entering Jerusalem, to ultimately find Himself on the Cross, “The crowds that went ahead of [Jesus] and those that follow shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” That is how the people of Jerusalem greeted Jesus—with faith! Hosanna–God saves!
Now listen to those same people days later, after their fears had been agitated by local leadership. From Matthew chapter 27, verses 22-23, “‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?’ Pilate asked. They all answered, ‘Crucify him!’ ‘Why? What crime has he committed?’ asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!’” Kill the One we thought was going to save us, but now threatens our way of life.
How do you react when you think something or someone is threatening your way of life or livelihood? Do you go on the attack and let your survival mode take over?
Seize the moment and Remain Calm…Pray! Now is a time for God’s people to be patient and to trust the Lord! Please join us tonight for our online Good Friday Service at 6:30 pm.
How can you practically help other people remain calm today and over this Easter weekend?
God is with us!