Is It OK to Be Afraid of Meeting Jesus?

By Stephanie Anderson

August 4, 2021

Question from a reader:

Is it OK to be afraid of meeting Jesus?

Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:

Thanks for your honest question. It might be helpful to explore deeper into why you feel afraid to meet Jesus. Is there fear that Jesus will reject you? Do you wonder if He won’t welcome you? That seeing Him will be frightening somehow? Is there something that’s keeping you from seeing God how He has revealed Himself in Scripture—as holy, pure, yes, but also good, and full of mercy and lovingkindness toward those who know Him?

The gospel truth is that if you’ve placed your trust in Him, He has washed you clean and accepts you. He is well pleased with you, and longs to have you home with Him, in the place He has prepared for you.

Now, that doesn’t mean that seeing Jesus in His glory won’t be stunning! Even John, the beloved apostle, “fell at his feet as though dead” when he saw Jesus in Heaven (Revelation 1:17). But look at Jesus’ immediate, tender, and loving response: “But he laid his right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not…’”

Remember Jesus’ prayer in John 17:24: “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

A.W. Tozer said: “Did you ever stop to think that God is going to be as pleased to have you with Him in heaven as you are to be there? The goodness and mercy of God, the loving kindness of the Lord—it’s wonderful!”

Here’s an article from Randy that might be helpful.

Response from reader:

The issue is I am on an organ transplant list, but it looks like I will pass before a transplant becomes available. Besides being a sinner, I feel as though I haven't done the work Jesus wants me to do, though at this point I am not sure what he wants me to do.

Answer from Stephanie Anderson, EPM staff:

I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m praying right now for you.

Let me encourage you that every day, the Lord’s mercies are new. So many people struggle with past regrets, but you don’t have to dwell there. Each day we have the opportunity to ask the Lord, “What do you have for me to do today? How can I bring you glory?” It is a prayer He delights to answer, because each day He gives is a gift. Psalm 138:8 reminds us, “The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me.”

Ed Welch writes, “The Kingdom of Heaven is regret-free. The truth is that the triune God liberates us from past regrets. His will is being done. Bank on it. Neither your human limitations nor your sins hinder the good plans of your sovereign Father.”