Fearless by Max Lucado - Lesson Six

Lesson Six: Fear of God Getting Out of My Box

In this lesson we will discuss the boxes we (and others) put God into - "do-me-a-favor-Jesus " box ... "make-me-a-buck-Jesus" box ... "Jesus-of-my-making" box. We'll look at the transfiguration to see how the Disciples' images of Jesus were blown to bits when his glory was revealed on Mount Hermon in the Holy Land.

As we examine this fear of God moving out of my box think about these questions:

Into what boxes have you tried to put Christ?

Why is it impossible to put Jesus Christ into a box?

Box-sized gods. You'll find them in the tight grip of people who prefer a god they can manage, control, and predict. This topsy-turvy life requires a tame deity, doesn't it? In a world out of control, we need a god we can control, a comforting presence akin to a lap dog or the kitchen cat. We call and he comes. We pet and he purrs. If we can just keep God in his place ...

It is curious to me that so man of us do not want excessive amounts of responsibility - having the job of the U.S. President, for example. Yet, we try to control God. Why?

All through the gospels we see the divinely human Jesus - a humble man with compassion and conviction who hailed from a small village. But at the Transfiguration, Christ was his truest self, wearing his pre-Bethlehem and post-resurrection wardrobe.
 Not "a pale Galilean, but a towering and furious figure who will not be managed."

How does being a "furious figure who will not be managed" fit with Jesus' crucifixion?

As Peter, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine transfiguration, we can't help but wonder about their frame of mind. Their friend and daily companion was radically transformed into someone larger-than-life ... someone divine ... someone glorious.

What has to happen before God will get out of the box you've created for him?

Most of our fears are poisonous. They steal sleep and pillage peace. But the fear of the Lord is different. As awe of Jesus expands, fears of life diminish. A big God translates into a big courage. A small view of God generates no courage.

How long has it been since a fresh understanding of Christ has buckled your knees and emptied your lungs with awe?

When times get tough, how can you foster a correct view of God.

We want to know the Transfigured Christ. The One who spits fire. Who convenes and commands historical figures. Who occupies the loftiest perch and wears only the true crown of the universe as God's beloved Son.

How do we get to know the transfigured Christ?

What have you learned over the last six weeks about the connection between our relationship with God, our understanding of him and our fears?

Our next study will be a Lenten study entitled: 24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton. Adam guides us, step by step, through the last day of Jesus' earthly life. We will begin with "The Last Supper".