Casting by David Jeremiah

Thursday, August 31

Casting 

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear. 
1 John 4:18 

Recommended Reading 1 John 4:17-21

Most fishermen know all about casting, but some take it very seriously. In 1881, the first casting championships took place in the outskirts of London; this event led, over time, to the founding of the International Casting Sport Federation. Today, the Federation organizes championships around the world for all ages. Casters are judged by distance and accuracy.

Christ-followers know a lot about casting too. Psalm 55:22 says, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you.” Proverbs 22:10 says, “Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave.” Ecclesiastes 11:1 says, “Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days.” Ezekiel tells us to cast away our transgressions (Ezekiel 18:31). Jesus told us to cast out our nets for a catch (John 21:6); Paul told us to cast out the works of darkness (Romans 13:12); and Peter told us to cast all our care on Him, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).

The apostle John, who was, after all, a fisherman, added a special word in 1 John 4:18. We should remember how much God loves us, he said, and that love will cast fear from our hearts. “Perfect love casts out fear.”

The chains of love are stronger than the chains of fear.
William Gurnall