SAID THE ANGEL

Some years ago, I was part of a team leading a camp program for young people. Reflecting on the dominance of fear in our world, we chose “Do not be afraid” as our theme for the week. Among our team, we developed an extra element to this phrase so that every time someone would say “Do not be afraid,” someone else would respond with “. . . said the angel.” Often in the Bible stories, this is the next phrase because almost every time an angel appeared to someone, the angel first had to help that startled person get over their fright. But the fear came from more than just the fact that angels often appeared in dramatic and radiant forms. There was more to this message than momentary fear. This was a more existential message, an encounter between God and a human being that crossed the divide of their broken relationship, as well as speaking to the broader circumstances of that character and the daunting task that the angel’s message would give them. In Gideon’s experience, the “Do not be afraid” came at the end of his interaction with the angel. The angel appeared to Gideon while he was threshing grain in secret and greeted him as “mighty warrior,” assuring him that God was with him despite appearances (Judges 6:12). Argument, assignment, and then more argument was followed by Gideon offering food to this mysterious messenger. Then the angel touched the food. It burst into flames and he disappeared. With the angel gone and Gideon in shock, God’s voice brought the reassurance, “Do not be afraid” with all its meanings: Do not be afraid of what you have just experienced. Do not be afraid of the task you have been given. Do not be afraid of the Midianites and their oppression of your people. Do not be afraid of your lowly place in your family.

Do not be afraid of what you have to do next.

Do not be afraid of Me.