Afraid? Not!

The words, "Afraid not" or the contraction often used "'Fraid not" come from the arduous and time consuming phrase "I'm afraid not."  Obviously too long and wordy to verbalize the entire collection of words at once.  In fact, 'fraid not has been finally taken down to "not."  Now we're getting somewhere.

Originally, the phrase meant, "I regret to say that I do not..."  Added to those words would be something like "...have anything for you," "...know where they are," and so on.  There is really not an element of fear in what is being said unless your were talking to someone who would not take no for an answer such as a taskmaster or a king or a brute of some sort.

The element of fear only comes because the relationship between the two principles is lacking in love.  When love exists, fear is replaced with understanding, acceptance and a willingness to forgive the shortfall of the other.  Where there is love, fear has no foundation.  Or as the Bible says:

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love" (1 Jn 4:18).

The grace imagery of the New Testament is in direct contrast to the law imagery of the Old, where failure often had immediate and direct consequences:

"You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.'  The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear.' But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the Judge of all...to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant...." (Heb 12:18-24).

Is there any reason at all for the child of God to fear in His presence?  I'm afraid not - 'fraid not - not. OK, one more: Not Even!  So, should you and I entertain the notion of fear knowing God is present and in control of our lives?  Should we be afraid?  Not!   Jus' Say'n.