Jan 1, 2025
2025 – FEAR OF GOD FOR A FEARLESS FAITHFUL LIVING
Greetings in the name of Jesus. When we look back into our lives, amidst all the challenges and hindrances, wars and calamities, indeed year 2024 was a year to be remembered. As the song goes,
“Count your blessings, name them one by one,
and it will surprise you, what the Lord has done.”
The Advent season has just passed. Looking back at every heavenly announcement, “being fearless” was pronounced vividly by the Angel to every character of the first Christmas. Starting with Zechariah (Luke 1:13), then Mary (Luke 1:30), Joseph (Matt. 1:20) and finally the Shepherds (Luke 2:10). This “Fear” came from an Old Testament understanding that anyone who “Sees” or “witnesses” God or a heavenly host, will eventually die (Ex. 33:20; Gen. 32:30). The New Testament narrative overwrites this with a redemptive understanding. Redemption never kills; it only saves and gives life—and who better than the Son of God, Jesus.
God of Life and Salvation is inviting us into year 2025 to be “Fearless.” In this age of Ghar Wapsi, mob lynching, and an induced and created fear of being part of a minority community, how can we be fearless?
Jesus’ earthly family is a great teaching for all of us to be fearless:
Mary’s Submission – The moment she knew God’s in control, she gave in to God’s plan. (Luke 1:38)
Joseph’s Selflessness – He took Mary as his wife to fulfill God’s plan, though it wasn’t to his personal benefit. (Matt. 1:24-25)
Jesus’ Serenity – The peace in the manger where the baby is kept is an ideal space to preach and practice Salvation—highlighting God’s preference for the lost and the least. (Luke 2:7-20; 5:32)
When we fear God, we are not controlled by fear of people, circumstances, or the unknown. Instead, we are empowered to live courageously, without any pretence or expectations, knowing that God is our Rock and Refuge. St. Paul in 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (ESV)
In this blessed country of ours, we are called to fearlessly live a witnessing life of submission to God, selflessness towards fellow beings, and a hope of serenity across the whole world. Praying for all the families in my church and wishing you all a blessed year 2025.
Dearly Beloved,
As I write to you in the capacity of the Asst. Vicar of your parish, for the first and the last time, my family and I express deep gratitude to all the members of the Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chetpet.
With folded hands before the Triune God who led us through this past one year:
For the Achens and their families, Rev. Vinoy Daniel Achen, Neena Kochamma, Evin & Vineeth, Rev. Sanju Varughese Achen, Tindu Kochamma, Nathu and Nemuz—who loved, cared and led us—gratitude.
For the Church Officer Bearers and Executive Committee members, Koinonia Editorial Board, Jasmine, Reevathi, Naresh, Roy and Anand, who worked hand in hand to enable us to fulfill God’s entrusted task—gratitude.
For all those who made me a better person through constructive criticisms—gratitude.
For all who remembered us in prayers—gratitude.
I close here with a phrase which Rev. Katherine Paisley said to her children when she dropped them off at school one day. I thought these words fit perfectly with my emotions as we move on in our ministry for God:
“Remember who you are. Be a witness!”
Rev. Noble Abraham
Asst. Vicar, Madras Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Chetpet.