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It appears that Pastor Jeffrey Meinz is free climbing this telephone pole as he ascends to enjoy a ride down the zip line at Lutheran Valley Retreat, yet if you look to the right you’ll see a rope disappearing into the sky. This rope is securely fastened to Jeffrey and he need not fear falling as the belayer will stop him from hurting himself.

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

Because of Jeffrey’s relationship to the belayer below he need not fear the climb.

“And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are my people.'” Act 18:9-10 English Standard Version

Because of his relationship with God, Paul didn’t need to fear what might happen to him in the city of Corinth as he proclaimed Jesus Christ crucified and resurrected. Corinth was an idol rich city filled with two difficult groups to reach: the wealthy and the poor. His challenges would be many as evidenced in his two letters to the fledgling church in her midst.

Because of the relationship that God has established with us we need not fear living life to it’s fullest. We might think, “how can I proclaim Christ in our culture? How can I let others know the grace that gives meaning to my life?

And we hear God’s word to Paul, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent…” The power to proclaim Christ and the power to live as children of God comes from the Holy Spirit. We’re not expected to conjure up the power to witness. We’re strengthen by God.

It’s all about our relationship with him. He will not let us fall. He is with us.

Copyright 2015