But the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” (Judges 6:23 ESV)
I had a sinful morning. Throughout the day, a selfish reaction had been burrowed in my heart, and I kept nurturing it… building on it… and maybe even enjoying it. I realize now that God had given me opportunities and reminders to love instead of to grudge… but I ignored Him. He had been present, urging me towards peace, HIS peace. But I was far too comfortable in my old man clothes.
And then He did something amazing. An act of loving-kindness that demanded my attention, and shouted, “I AM GOD AND I LOVE YOU.” I was so very, very, very aware of His presence. And while the joy was inescapable, I also was freshly and overwhelmingly aware of my sinful morning.
And for a moment, I was afraid.
His presence reminded me of who I am. And I was ashamed, disgusted, and in awe of Him.
And in that moment, I remembered this verse. I had been mulling over it for a few days in the back of my mind. Gideon, one of the weakest judges, encountered an angel, right after Gideon’s most sin-filled time. He had doubted God. He had tested God. He had pushed God. And God finally made His presence absolutely clear by sending an angel.
And Gideon responded like me. He was afraid.
God said, through that angel, “Fear not.”
God offered peace. Not rationally derived, logically deduced, carefully worked out peace… but God peace. Elsewhere referred to as the peace that passes understanding. (Philippians 4:7)
The angel told Gideon that he will not die. Those words echoed down to Jesus’ similar encouragement to Martha. (John 11:25) Fearful expectation of the worst event is overcome by God’s peace.
Peace comes, no matter what we fear, from God’s peaceful presence.
How, exactly? God reminded Gideon that Gideon was saved. Gideon was a child of God, despite his sin, his rebellion, his doubt, and his fear. Because of the way that God saves, Gideon had nothing to fear. Not God’s punishment, not God’s wrath, not even God’s Holy Presence. Not even death.
Remember that when you are afraid. Even when afraid of God Himself.
Fear not, because of salvation.