Open Letter to Max Lucado #1.011
(Click here to download the first chapter of Max Lucado’s Fearless.)
Chapter 1: Why are We Afraid?
Page 11
+ “I wonder if the disciples ever reflected on the most-often-repeated phrases of Christ. If so, they would have noted, “He was always calling us to courage.”
This statement is valuable and thought-provoking. You’re giving much value to what Jesus said both directly and indirectly to His disciples during His earthly ministry. We would do well to reflect on these verses in like manner.
? (You list 12 passages from the Gospels. I’ll include them below, and comment after.)
“So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows. (Matt. 10:31 NCV)
“Take courage, son; your sins are forgiven. (Matt. 9:2 NASB)
“I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough. (Matt. 6:25 NLT)
“Don’t be afraid. Just believe, and your daughter will be well. (Luke 8:50 NCV)
“Take courage. I am here! (Matt. 14:27 NLT)
“Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. (Matt. 10:28)
“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:32)
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. . . . I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. ( John 14:1, 3 NLT)
“Don’t be troubled or afraid. ( John 14:27 NLT) “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt?” (Luke 24:38 NLT)
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. (Matt. 24:6 NIV)
“Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” (Matt. 17:7)
Some questions for you.
First, you’re talking about those “most-often-repeated phrases of Christ.” But you compile a list of 12 passages, some of which Christ doesn’t repeat anywhere else. Which is it?
Second, who are you writing to? It just occurred to me that, like with Bruce Wilkinson’s new book, You Were Born for This, you have yet to clarify how your intended audience is. These verses should carry a lot of weight in the mind and life of the believer, but you write in such a general fashion that one cannot discern with certainty that you are indeed writing only to the believer. Which is it? Are you writing to only believers, or is Fearless intended for believers and non-believers alike? (I have to ask because, as you know full well, these verses will mean nothing to the unbeliever.)
Finally, a thought’s been brewing in my head for a couple of posts now, and it’s finally percolated to the top of my skull, ready to be skimmed off and shared: Where are the hundreds of admonitions we read (in both the Old and New Testaments) regarding the right fear of God? Where are the many warnings throughout Scripture to fearfully avoid sin, lest we offend a holy and righteous God?
As I look again at your Table of Contents, I see nowhere a reference to either of these subjects in the coming pages of your book. Why not?
(I’ll have more on Fearless by Max Lucado next Thursday. For past responses to Fearless, click on the following posts: Title & Table of Contents, Testimonials, Pages 3-5, 6a, 6b, 7, 8, 9, and 10.)
(One more thing. I’ve compiled my earlier analyses of Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile by Rob Bell and Don Golden. Simply click on my title, Clear as a Bell, and download for your own instruction.)
