Join us sundays at 8:00 & 10:30 AM

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 - Join Pastor John for a Daily Devotional

June 23, 2020 by Rev. John Hartman

“No Need to Fear”

One of the joys of being a child growing up in the 1960’s, was the abundance of classic cartoons on TV. You know they are “classics,” because they had stood the test of time and are still watched by children today. When I talk about classics, I mean true classics like Scooby-Doo, the Flintstones, Bugs Bunny, Speed Racer, Popeye, the Jetsons, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and Spider-Man. In the past, I have shown my children that this is what I grew up watching. Most of the time, they were not impressed, complaining about the cheesy dialogue and primitive graphics. What do they know?

One cartoon that I especially remember was Underdog. The premise was that “humble and lovable” Shoeshine Boy was in truth the superhero Underdog. When villains like Simon Bar Sinister or Riff Raff threatened him or his love interest, Sweet Polly Purebred, it was then that Shoeshine Boy ducked into a telephone booth. And then, he transformed into the caped and costumed hero, destroying the booth in the process when his superpowers were activated.

Now Underdog almost always spoke in rhyme. For example, when Polly was in trouble, he would say, “I am not slow. It’s hip-hip-hip and away I go!” Another was, “Not plane, nor bird, nor even frog, it’s just little old me, Heh-heh-heh. Underdog.” Now, Underdog usually caused a lot of damage, and whenever someone complained, he replied, “I am a hero who never fails; I cannot be bothered with such details.” Underdog’s most frequent saying when he appeared on the scene was, “There’s no need to fear, --Underdog is here!”

Fear paralyzes our soul doesn’t it? We become so scared of the conditions around us that we end up doing absolutely nothing, as we are unable to move or unsure of what to do. Someone once said, “We all live in fear. My hairline is in recession. My waistline is in inflation, and I’m in depression.” We worry about the economy. We fear the company is going to downsize my job permanently. We wonder how in the world are ever going to put our kids through college? We worry what would happen if my wife or husband became seriously ill in the pandemic?

Jesus said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). My friends, we bring a grin to the Lord’s face when we say, “Lord, all that I have comes from you. I am not going to live in fear, but live boldly and courageously for you. I will trust in your love and in the abundant riches of your grace.” May the truth and promise of, “There’s not need to fear, the Lord is here,” be a source of strength, comfort and faith in these times, -- and in the days ahead.