Fear Not, Because of Jesus

But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. (Matthew 17:7,8)

Power is scary.  I once saw a space shuttle engine being tested.  Terrifying.  I have seen lightning split a tree into splinters. Terrifying.  I have known anger to transform a man from a gentle, kind friend into an immovable adversary.  Terrifying.  I have heard about national governments controlling masses of people with a word or two.  Terrifying. 

But I have never observed what the disciples saw on a high mountain.  Great Biblical men, long dead, appearing and chatting with Jesus.  This was supernatural power.  Because somehow the disciples KNEW who Elijah and Moses were.  Because both Elijah and Moses had been taken into God’s presence in mysterious ways, according to Scripture ( II Kings 2:11 and Deuteronomy 34:6) and were now HERE.  Because Elijah and Moses were prophets who had spoken and written about the Messiah-to-come… and now they were with Him!

Power is scary.  It is no surprise that the disciples fell down in fear.

But the power they had observed was narrowly focused on Jesus.  Elijah and Moses were on the mountain only because of Jesus.  God was blurring death only because of Jesus.  God was providing prophetic continuity only because of Jesus.

When Jesus rebukes their fear, they listen.

Somehow, Jesus, while the reason behind their fear, was also fear’s solution.

It works that way for us, too.  Jesus is God and therefor providentially acting even in the most terrifying parts of our troubles.  He is also the solution.  Thinking about Jesus provides context for what scares us.  Reading about Jesus provides confidence in Him.  Praying to Him provides the power of God, focused on our situation.

I like the way Matthew describes it.  When they looked up from their position cowering on the ground, they only saw Jesus.  Not only because apparently Elijah and Moses were gone, but because the calming Words of Jesus reminded them that looking at Jesus is a grand thing.

They only had eyes for Him, in fact.

Fear not, because of Jesus.

Fear Not, Because God Has Already Won

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have given them into your hands. Not a man of them shall stand before you.” (Joshua 10:8 ESV)

I coached football with a man who usually said, “All it takes is one point. A victory is a victory.” But then after ONE game, in which our team had been able to rack up a LOT of points… so many that the game was ended early, he said, “ok… THAT is really a victory!”

God’s promise to Joshua seems to acknowledge that. Joshua and his amateur army had won surprising victories. But this time, against the mighty Amorites, almost a local superpower, God promised a real victory. No nudging ahead in the last few seconds. No careful exertion of just enough power. No cautious battle, with the result only known as the last sword is swung.

God promises absolute, total, complete victory.

Because He can… and because He knew what a comfort that would be to Joshua.

We face superpowers, too. The enemies of God and His people (Ephesians 2:1-3) are experienced, intimidating, and tricky. But on that Old Rugged Cross, the flesh was overcome and is being transformed, the world was thrashed and is being transformed, and the devil was crushed.

And those victories were not careful, cautious, “just enough” victories.

Not an enemy remains standing.

Fear not, because God has won. REALLY won.

Fear Not, Because of Righteousness

In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. (Isaiah 54:14 ESV)

That 35-foot boa constrictor was hanging from the opened garage-door six inches from my nose.   (Actually, it was a barely 4-foot rat snake hanging from the opened garage-door 8 feet from my nose… but it SEEMED like more!)  After screaming with a shrill voice, willing my heart to beat again, and remembering to breathe, what did I do?

I calmly (mostly) walked to the garden shed and retrieved my hedge clippers.  The hanging snake was a low hanging fruit.  There was only one right thing to do.

The snake slithered away (a good thing… it keeps rats away!) before I could finish my manly hunting task.  But that snake reminded me of a method of killing fear.  

When fear lurks, do the next right thing.

Isaiah taught the lesson even better than the rat snake.  He wrote that having righteousness as a foundation protects against oppression, fear, and terror. 

His reasoning is obvious.  The presence of God removes all reason to fear.  Righteousness connects us to God.  Obedience (the truly right thing) allows us to walk closer to God.  And since the only righteousness we can obtain is the righteousness we inherit through a relationship with the Christ, believing in HIM is the only way to righteousness. (Romans 4:3)

Righteousness is not usually our go-to solution for fear, is it?  Nationally, when afraid, we turn instead to an army or government aid.  Emotionally, when afraid, we turn instead to familiarity or companionship.  Physically, when afraid, we turn instead to strength or skill.  Medically, when afraid, we turn instead to knowledge or medicine. Financially, when afraid, we turn instead to more work or less spending.  Relationally, when afraid, we turn instead to self-defense or avoidance. 

But Isaiah and the rat snake direct us to righteousness.  Draw closer to God in any situation by doing the next right thing.  Not in arrogant expectation of achieving perfection, but in humble imitation and dependence upon the righteousness-providing and righteousness-empowering Messiah.

It is not as complicated as it sounds.

When tempted to lie to get out of a fearful situation, try thinking of Jesus wonderful Truth-telling and be honest, even when it seems dangerous.  When tempted towards anger because of fear, try recalling Jesus peaceful submission to the Father, and surrender any self-righteous frustration to God.  When tempted to trust first in physical solutions (medicine, checkbooks, or possessions,) try remembering the King of the Universe living on earth, and not worrying about a pillow or His next meal, and speak instead of God’s goodness.

There is always one obvious simple right thing to do. 

Fear not, because of righteousness.

Fear Not, Because Tense Does Not Matter

Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the LORD, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. (Jeremiah 42:11 ESV)

Our cats are not allowed in the spare bedroom. The spare bedroom is, of course, their favorite room. At times they sit at the door and whine. Sometimes they wait around the corner for the door to open so they can leap through the entrance. Usually they follow us as we walk past the door, hoping for an opportunity to explore that magical room.

Even though they are cats, I often tell them, “You can’t be in that room!” (I do not think they care what I say.)

When the cats get in the spare bedroom though, I say the same thing. I scowl at their temerity, I try to herd them back out, and I say, “You can’t be in that room!”

Johanan, a captain in Judea’s desperate army, saw that the Kingdom of God was in trouble. Internal and external enemies were winning. And Johanan, already a man who struggled with faith, became very afraid.

And Jeremiah told him to stop.

It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And so when God tells His people not to be afraid, He often is warning them to stay out of that room. He is warning us to not fall into fear.

But here, Johanan is already afraid. Afraid enough to make bad decisions. Afraid enough to be filled with fear. Afraid enough to summarize his very personality as, “Afraid.”

And Jeremiah tells him to stop.

“Do not be afraid,” present differs from, “Do not be afraid” future tense.

Present tense is more urgent. Present tense is more dangerous. Present tense is more intense.

But God answers present fear and future fear in exactly the same way.

He is with us. And He will help us. And that can be bigger than any fear.

Fear not, because tense doesn’t matter.

Fear Not, Because God Has Spoken

Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. (2 Kings 19:6 ESV)

Words are powerful things. She said, “Yes!” He said, “You’re fired!” She said, “I respect you!” He said, “I love you!” She said, “Let’s go!” He said, “I bless you!”

Sennacherib, the most powerful man in the most powerful nation of Assyria had sent some terrible words. And Hezekiah was terrified. The physical threat of the enemy army was made emotionally real by Sennacherib’s message.

Not just because Assyria threatened Jerusalem. But Sennacherib had cast doubts in Hezekiah about the presence, power, and person of God Himself. Sennacherib pointed out logical reasons that seemed to prove that God was weak, uncaring, or non-existent.

Hezekiah listened. And Hezekiah became afraid.

So Isaiah spoke God’s Word. Terrifying words were fought by the sword of the Truthful Word. And while it took Hezekiah quite a while to fully listen, God’s Word was victorious. Assyria’s army failed. Sennacherib’s words were shown to be deceit.

We hear words like Sennacherib’s every day. We are told that the One True Living God is weak, uncaring, or non-existent. Where Hezekiah only heard ONE voice proclaiming God’s insignificance, our ears are filled with declarations, pronouncements, assumptions, and accusations.

But God is not weak, uncaring, or non-existent.

God is strong.

God is love.

And God lives!

We see it most clearly in the God-made-flesh. Jesus showed that He is strong, even conquering death. Jesus showed that He is love, giving up everything for us, His beloved. Jesus showed that He lives, even living AGAIN!

Listen to God’s Word. Not any modern Sennacherib.

Fear not, because God has spoken truth.

Fear Not, Because God Says It

Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” (2 Samuel 13:28 ESV)

M-80 firecrackers were the bomb. Pun intended. The kid across the street (Michael) had purchased some illegally, and we went out to the woods to try them out.

They were loud.

But then we started to play danger games. How long did we dare hold them before release? Could we toss one in the air and hit it with a baseball bat so that it would explode WAY out there? Did we dare play hot potato with an M-80?

At that point, I stopped playing.

Michael smiled at me though, and said something to the effect of, “WHAT ARE YOU, a CHICKEN?”

I was.

He also urged me to not be afraid. He quoted statistics. He described the thrill of risk. He attempted to calm my fears.

But not everyone who says, “fear not” is trustworthy.

Like Absalom. His servants, killing David’s heir Amnon, SHOULD have been afraid.

Absalom’s advice probably seemed reasonable. Amnon had acted horribly. Absalom, as another son of King David appeared to have authority. Absalom used phrases that sounded so very Biblical.

But the servants should not have listened.

The rest of God’s Word did not condone murder. The rest of God’s Word did not condone personal vengeance. The rest of God’s Word did not condone assassination.

More strongly: God’s Word commands, “do not murder!” God’s Word claims, “Vengeance is MINE, says the Lord.” God’s Word says that God alone sets up and takes down Kings.

Not every voice that says, “Do not be afraid” is reliable. The phrase alone is meaningless.

When God says, “Fear Not!” believe Him. And believe those who pass God’s Word on to us.

But only when God says it.

Fear not, because God says it.

Fear Not, Because God is Able

Do not fear or be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8; Joshua 1:9; 10:8 ESV)

While Joshua was leading Israel, God told him three times. God repeated, “Do not fear or be dismayed.” With slight variation of vocabulary, God or Moses said the same thing two more times (Deuteronomy 1:21; 31:6)

When we consider the hard work required to copy by hand the Word of God… to pass on the particular exact Words that God wanted His people to know… to write what God said in their memories, on papyrus, on parchments, on scrolls… it becomes clear that God didn’t include random filler words. Every single word is Purposeful.

Why did God at that time encourage Joshua and the Israelites to stop both fear and dismay?

Fear is to dismay as bake is to broil. Fear is to dismay as a chore is to a major project. Fear is to dismay as a snack is to a five-course meal. Fear is to dismay as the ongoing is to the urgent.

Perhaps here, fear is the low boil of worry. The ex-slaves had felt it since leaving Sinai. SO many dangers… SO many enemies… SO many difficulties.

But now, they were facing the Giants of Canaan. Now the pressure of winning the Promised Land, a generation late, filled their eyes and hearts. Now they were no longer wandering nomads, professional hiders, but were claiming publicly a place. Now they were not running… but standing to fight.

God makes sure they know that He is God in both situations. And He makes sure those two words, fear and dismay, are read today, too.

Because our situation can lead both to fear and to dismay, too.

We face long term, low boil fears, too. God cheerfully reminds us to fear not our budgets, our bacteria, bumpy roads, and our bad days. God cheerfully reminds us to fear not when the enemy is out there.

We face urgent, heart-wrenching dismay, too. God intensely reminds us to not dismay when the doctor says, “cancer.” God intensely reminds us to not dismay when we are fired. God intensely reminds us to not dismay when our child’s marriage ends. God intensely reminds us not to dismay when the enemy is at the gate… or has burst through it.

God is big enough for both.

Joshua himself passes God’s message of dual help when the Israelites had defeated a powerful alliance of enemies. Part way through the war for the Promised Land, he tells the Israelites the same message God had repeated to Joshua. He says, “Do not be afraid or dismayed; be strong and courageous. For thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” (Joshua 10:25 ESV)

Fear not, because God is able.

Fear Not, Because God is Here

Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you.

(Isaiah 43:5 ESV)

In Lemmon, South Dakota, is a jewelry manufacturer. It is a well-run small-town operation that provides employment, local pride, and quality jewelry.

After we had lived in Lemmon for a while, we began to notice that jewelry from that factory could be found all over the country. Visiting a store in Colorado, we found a display of familiar pieces. In shops far from Lemmon, our town was represented.

But as grand as it was to see that jewelry spread out all over the country, the BEST thing about seeing all those examples was that Wheeler’s manufacturing was at home. The wideness of the business’s reach had its greatest value for us in the fact that we could see the building every day. Right over there.

It works the same way for me regarding Walmart and McDonald’s. I like knowing that those monstrous conglomerates are present in Mongolia, Madagascar, and Montevideo… because they are also present right here. While many might be impressed at the extent of the reach, I am moved by that great reach because of the connection HERE.

It is not the far away… it is the here.

Isaiah feels the same way about God. Isaiah knows that God is in the East and the West (and the next verses point out God’s activity in the North and the South.) God’s reach is limitless. He is in all those places, those distant locations, those far away locales. Amazing… hard to get our heads around… powerful.

Geography has shrunk. Our maps are bigger. Isaiah shows the breadth of God’s presence by saying “East” and “West.” Not as particularly places, perhaps, but as symbolic for far, far, far away. But today we might refer to planets… stars… galaxies… maybe even dimensions. God is everywhere!

But Isaiah tells us to fear not, because God is most importantly HERE. God is with us. God is with you.

In this verse, the amazingly comforting thing about the God whose reach is extravagant, spectacular, and fantastic is that He is HERE.

Fear not, because God is here.

Fear Not, Because There Is Only One God

Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? And you are my witnesses! Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any. (Isaiah 44:8)

I used to carry around a lot of keys. I do not know why, really. Keys of previous cars and previous houses remained on my keyring. Ancient keys, skeleton keys, oddly shaped keys all filled up space on my keyring. Friends’ keys, business’ keys, neighbors’ keys were all on my keyring.

Sometimes it took a while to find the right key to unlock my front door. At times I had to study two or three similar car keys to unlock my car door. Occasionally I got lost in my keyring trying to find the key to unlock anything.

I had too many keys. So I had effectively no keys.

Some folk are afraid because they think that Gods are like keys. SO many ways to view things… SO many truths… SO many Gods.

But the Godly Keyring has only One Key.

There is no God besides Him.

Our society proposes a tolerance that claims many Keys. We each get to choose our own. Your Key is fine for you… and my Key is fine for me. But down that pathway fear lurks. What if we chose the wrong God? What if our ‘choice’ was not the right ‘choice?’

Isaiah is delightfully clever in his use of the phrase, “There is no Rock; I know not any.”

First, Isaiah is saying, “There is no OTHER Rock.” Scripture (and Isaiah) often uses the Rock metaphor to refer to God’s reliability… His unchanging nature… His steady strength. Isaiah is telling us to stand on the One True Living God because He is the only Rock. Isaiah does not know any other.

But the sentence structure allows a parallel meaning. A Rock can also be a reference to an Idol. Made of Stone. Made of earth. Made of rock. So Isaiah is ALSO saying that the gods associated with Idols simply are not. They are nothing. Isaiah does not even know them.

There is no God besides Him.

Fear not, because there is only One God.

Fear Not, Because God Always Wins

And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them, for tomorrow at this time I will give over all of them, slain, to Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” (Joshua 11:6 ESV)

When I was in 6th grade my biggest fear was a boy named Steve Beadle.  He had been held back a couple of years, and he was aware of his superior size and fighting skills.  Most mornings, He would wait for me when I disembarked from the school bus, demand my lunch money… and beat me up because I didn’t HAVE any lunch money.

Today my fears are different.  It might seem they revolve more around financial matters, bananas potentially invading Kansas, and the fact that my body is gradually becoming a cyborg. 

What is your greatest fear?  You do not have to say it out loud.  But consider it.  What are you afraid of?

Joshua, leading the army of Israel into the Promised Land, was facing a consortium of enemies.  These nations and Kings were the terrors of the ancient Middle East.  They still sound a little frightening today.  Jabin, King of Hazor.  Johab King of Madon.  The nations of Shimron, Achshaph, Arabah, Chinneroth, Naphoth-dor, and even Hermon of Mizpah (who admittedly sounds more like a nerd than a Mercenary-King.)  More Biblically familiar nations like the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Canaanites were also lined up against Joshua.  Scripture refers to them as a horde.

Maybe Joshua lost sleep.  Maybe he floundered seeking a plan.  Maybe he worried particularly about the enemy Super-weapon of the day: the Chariot.  The enemy had them.  Israel did not.

Do you know what Joshua would notice about those terrible nations of yesteryear?  Every one of them is gone.  They do not exist.  Their horses and chariots destroyed.  Their kingdoms now dust.

But God’s people are still around.  We Christians are the heirs of Israel.  We have survived, even flourished.

God’s words to Joshua were powerfully true and are proven on the map today.

God’s enemies do not last.  God’s people are eternal.

Fear not, because God always wins.

Fear not, Because God is Behind Everything

He replied, “Peace to you, do not be afraid. Your God and the God of your father has put treasure in your sacks for you. I received your money.” (Genesis 43:23 ESV)

Who put the 2020 (first?) Stimulus Check in your sack?

All three branches of the Federal government were involved in that transfer. The Treasury Department was particularly involved. The IRS had a hand in the process. And someone wrote the computer algorithm. Someone tested the process. Someone pushed the right button.

If you are a supporter of President Trump, though… you probably give him credit.

If you are a supporter of those on the other side of the aisle… you probably give congress credit.

Or perhaps you give credit to something else… like a vibrant US economy, or our sometimes-vague Constitution, or the whims of public opinion.

Maybe you do not give credit at all… but instead think in terms of blame.

Joseph had ordered the wheat-money returned to his brothers’ sacks. A servant or two probably actually PUT the money there. And the Egyptians had worked for the profits that enabled Joseph to be so cavalier with the Pharaoh’s cash.

But Joseph gives God credit for it.

This concurs with Joseph’s later speech in which he indicates that God is the author of all events, good or bad. (Genesis 50:20) Joseph constantly gives God credit for the things that happen in his life. And Joseph’s understanding helps him to avoid fear.

If Joseph were living today in an apartment in Cairo, Illinois, who would HE say gave him a Stimulus Check? He would say God caused it. Joseph would say that God is behind all of the events that fill our news feeds. Joseph would give God credit for everything.

And while Joseph is giving God credit because Joseph is a supporter of God, Joseph is also simply right. God is the primary, secondary, and tertiary mover of all things. (Daniel 6:26-28) He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Hebrews 12:2) He is THE worker, and He does all things good for us. (Romans 8:28)

If the US government were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid. If my will were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid. If random movements of electrons were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid. If public opinion were the cause of everything (or anything) I would be afraid.

But God put the money in my sack.

Fear not, because God is behind everything.

Fear Not, Because of God's Miter Box

Be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land, declares the Lord. Work, for I am with you, declares the Lord of hosts, according to the covenant that I made with you when you came out of Egypt. My Spirit remains in your midst. Fear not. (Haggai 2:4,5 ESV)

When cutting moldings and baseboards, I used a home-made Miter Box.  Made from some sort of hardwood, my Miter Box was a framework to hold the molding in place, while a saw could cut the wood at pre-set angles.  This Box was very old.  I think my father made it before I was born. 

Having tried a few times to make those angle cuts ‘by eye,’ I appreciated the reliability of that device.  It always held the saw exactly in the right place.  It never allowed error.  My Miter Box did what it implied, intended, and promised.  It gave my projects order.

Haggai wrote to the exiles who had returned back to Jerusalem.  After they had begun rebuilding the Temple (you can read about those efforts in Ezra and Nehemiah,) they had run out of steam.  The troubles were just too much.  Many years had gone by, but the Temple remained unfinished.  God had sent Haggai to get them back on track.

The Jews were living in a time of chaos.  Their economy was unstable.  Their neighbors did not want them to finish the Temple.  They were broke, tired, and afraid.

God reminded them to relax… because He was their Miter Box.  Despite apparent chaos, their CORE (their spirit, through the Spirit) was solid.  Despite apparent insecurity, their future (just like their past) was secure.  Despite apparent exhaustion, their strength (by God’s true promises) was dependable.  Despite apparent isolation, they (in God’s presence) were not alone.

God’s presence made all the difference.  They had just forgotten it.

Fear not, because of God’s Miter Box

Fear Not, Because Nations Are Merely Nations

Fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, for I am with you. I will make a full end of all the nations to which I have driven you, but of you I will not make a full end. (Jeremiah 46:28 ESV)

The number of jokes that begin, “there are two kinds of people in the world” are legion.  My absolute favorite is: “There are three kinds of people in the world.  Those that can count… and those that can’t.” 

But here God is not telling a joke.  He is stating a fact. 

There are two kinds of people in the world.  The people who are God’s People.  And the people who are not God’s people.  And those two groups are very different, as God sees them.

And while the blessings He gives His people do slosh over onto those who are not His people (Matthew 5:45,) God is at work teaching, helping, guiding, protecting, redeeming, saving, sanctifying, and loving His people.  (Romans 8:28)

God is His people’s champion.  God is His people’s potter.  God is His people’s biggest fan. 

God’s people are God’s focus.  God’s people are God’s purpose (after the purpose of declaring HIS glory…) God’s people are God’s explanation of current events, the rise and fall of kings and nations, and history itself.

It might be unnerving, if not downright scary, to observe as nations rise and fall.  Especially if we are in the middle of it.  As Jeremiah was experiencing the rise of mighty Babylon, as well as the fall of mighty Israel, he would have reason to be afraid.   God told His people, though, not to be afraid when that happens.  Because even in BIG things like this… God is working for His people’s sake.

As we observe the rise and fall of political parties, leaders, and maybe even nations as we have known them… God gives us that same message.  His concern is rightly, justly, and lovingly for His people.  And His promise is that His people will endure.  More than that, His people will prosper.

Fear not, because nations are merely nations.

Fear Not, Because Opinions Do Not Matter

Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear not the reproach of man, nor be dismayed at their revilings. (Isaiah 51:7)

Some things are scarier than others.

Remember that cartoon picture in which a small fish is about to be eaten by a slightly bigger fish?  Which is about to be eaten by a bigger fish?  Which is about to be eaten by an even bigger fish?  And eventually, the biggest, ugliest, scariest fish of all envelops the other fish in its huge fanged jaws?!?!

No matter how dangerous a threat you face, there is a bigger threat behind it.

And the most dangerous thing in the natural world is not a tornado, nor a Saharan dust storm, nor a contagious virus, nor economic disaster, nor government over-reach.  The most dangerous thing is the bad opinion of other humans.

Ok, maybe that was melodramatic.  But it is true that we are motivated by others’ opinions.  We worry about others’ opinions.  Others’ opinions make our lives hard. 

The bad opinion of others is perhaps even higher than death, public speaking, and running out of money on our list of fears. At least on an immediate, practical basis.

Isaiah writes encouragement to those who know we fear the bad opinion of others.

But Isaiah does not give us something specific to do.

He gives us something specific to be.

Those who know righteousness and have the law of God in our hearts are, not to put too fine a point on it, Christians. 

Those who know righteousness and have the law of God in our hearts, Christians, do not need to fear someone else’s bad opinion.  In fact, we might as well expect it.  Those who are not Christian WILL reproach Christians.  Those who are not Christians DO revile Christians. 

But that big bad ugly fanged fish can not harm our soul, our faith, or our true lives.  It might seem like it.  It might threaten and roar and hurt… But God is.

(I first attempted to complete that sentence with adjectives like powerful, bigger, influential, and involved… and then considered broader words like able, present, and the Lord.  But in the end, I liked, “God is.”  It explains how much MORE He is than the bad opinion of some finite, foolish, unaware, sleeping human.)

Fear not, because opinions do not matter.

Fear Not, Because of Normalcy

Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield. (Joel 2:22 ESV)

The snowstorm was brutal.  Howling wind and blowing snow.  Bitter sub-zero temperatures.  Winter’s worst.  When I was outside, it was all I could see.  When I was inside, it was all I could hear.  And wherever I was, or whatever I was doing, ALL I could think about was that storm.

But on the phone, talking to friends on the other side of the country, the storm was not so real.  It was certainly real to me, of course.  But on a national level, or even a regional level… it was not so big or bad or scary.  In the midst of the storm, normal things still went on.  And the next day, of course…. That storm was gone.

The news and social media have been trying to fool us.  When we watch too much, or listen too much, we get the idea that nothing in the nation or world is normal anymore.  All we see is the virus.  All we hear is the economy.  All we think about is government overreach. 

Those things ARE real.  They deserve some attention.  They clamor for attention.  We need to react carefully, thoughtfully, and realistically.

But those terrible things are not everything.  More normal things are happening than abnormal things.

God tells the animals to be at peace because no matter how wild their life is, normalcy is also present.  Though they live in a world of tooth and claw, the grass and trees and vines plod along in vibrant normalcy.

We can note the same thing.  Even when a riot formed up the road, we still had electricity.  Even when testing results indicate an increase in C-19 cases, our hearts beat.  Even when craziness fills in the cracks of every news story, our neighbors wave at us, kittens get rescued from trees, the sun rises and sets, and the rain and sun work together to give us wheat, corn, tomatoes, and melons. 

And those normal things are the setting for God’s blessings.  Those normal things ARE the blessings that God showers on His people.  Those normal things are just as important as the shocking scary things. 

God gives us peaceful, regular, normal things.  Notice them with gratitude.

Fear not, because of normalcy.

Fear Not, Because of Shepherds

I will set shepherds over them who will care for them, and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be missing, declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:4 ESV)

I watched a NASA broadcast of two astronauts working outside of the International Space Station. One of the astronauts accidentally cut his tether line.

Let me say that again… One of the astronauts accidentally CUT HIS TETHER LINE!!!!

Instantly pictures of every Sci-Fi movie with a cut tether line flashed through my mind. I knew how this was going to end. Goodbye Astronaut Behnken!

But his voice, and the voice of the other astronaut, and the voice of Mission Control remained calm. More than calm, they didn’t seem to care. And I soon figured out why.

The tether line was not the only thing that kept that astronaut safe. That line was one of many precautions. He had boot clamps. He had hand grips. He had the other astronaut, carefully positioned down the gravity stream. He had more.

Behnken was not going to be drifting anywhere.

God told Jeremiah that God’s people were protected in a similar way. He called those protections shepherds.

Yes, the shepherds are the religious leaders of Israel. But the shepherds were also the political leaders. The shepherds were also found in families. The shepherds were also neighbors’ hands. The shepherds were also helpful domesticated animals. The shepherds were also tools, traditions, and time.

Just like NASA control could have told the astronaut to relax because of the redundancies of protective backups, God tells us that He has provided similar redundancies.

He has given you shepherds. So many shepherds.

Count your shepherds. We have elders in the church, deacons in the church, friends in the church, wise people in the church, teachers in the church, listeners in the church, advisors in the church, handy folk in the church, shoulders to lean on in the church, skilled helpers in the church.

We have shepherds in our families. We have fathers, mothers, and siblings. We have homes. We have useful possessions. We have extended family members’ experience. We have the stories of Grandpa and Grandma. We have family gatherings. We have an often communal availability of family possessions.

We have shepherds that we don’t even know! Angels unseen. God’s tapestry being woven around us. Strangers with good words. “Coincidences” that help us avoid troubles. The right stuff at the right time.

Looking back, we often can see how God has given us shepherds.

So looking ahead, don’t be afraid. There will be shepherds.

Fear not, because of shepherds.

Fear Not, Because God Repeats It

See, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up, take possession, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has told you. Do not fear or be dismayed.’ (Deuteronomy 1:21 ESV)

Moses is speaking to the Israelites as they are about to actually, finally, really, physically enter the Promised Land.  They pause for a long recitation of God’s activities since leaving Egypt.  It’s a gripping story, but I can almost imagine the Israelites saying, “We heard this already.  We were there for some of it.”

But Moses repeats the story anyway.

Maybe the purpose of Moses’ repetition is found in this sentence.  On the cusp of a war with armed, trained, fierce enemies… maybe they were a little afraid.

Moses reminds them of the reports of the spies.  Ten of the spies had reported that Canaan, as their Promised Land was still temporarily known, was defended by forts, weapons, and giants.  And now it was time to face those enemies.

As they prepare to cross into Canaan… the signs of fear were probably there.  A few lumps in throats.  A few nervous twitches.  A few furtive glances at the horizon, or over the next hill. A few whispered conversations around campfires.

And Moses’ answer is to repeat the theme that God has been displaying for over 40 years.  He is on their side.  They do not need to be afraid.

Maybe some folk rolled their eyes.  “We’ve already heard that.”

Maybe some folk complained about Moses needing a new sermon.

Maybe some folk sarcastically mouthed Moses’ words along with him.

“Fear not.”  “Don’t be afraid.”

But it appears that the repetition was effective.

Some things are worth repeating.

Fear not, because God repeats it.

Fear Not, Because God is Present

“Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.  (Jeremiah 1:8 NKJV)

Do you carry a picture of your loved one’s elbow in your wallet?  When you see a cameo shot of your favorite actor’s foot, do you nudge your spouse and smile?  Are museums filled with small statues depicting political leaders’ brains?

No… we like faces.

A face represents the person.

We carry pictures of faces because the face makes them seem present.  We recognize actors by their faces because their face is how we know them.  We enjoy statues that emphasize faces because the face brings the subject into the room.

Now insert that concept into what the Lord told Jeremiah.

God is saying, “Do not fear ANYONE ELSE’S presence, for I am present.”

Consider these aspects:

-          Young children recognize the face of their folks in a crowd.

-          We stand face to face in a conversation.

-          We ‘face facts’ when we accept reality, what is really here.

-          The Aaronic Blessing emphasizes our Lord’s face… sending us out with the comfort of His presence.

Whatever face your fear has, let God’s face comfort you.  His presence is more.  His presence is good.  His presence delivers us.

Fear not, because God is present.

Fear Not, Because God is Here

…and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5,6)

Batman’s Utility Belt was filled with wonderful things. That Belt provided Batman with tools, aids, implements, and almost countless gadgets that assisted the Batman at exactly the moment that he most needed help. The Joker, though, when he first observed the Belt and it’s accessories, “where does he get those wonderful toys?”

Batman saw purposeful items. The Joker saw possessions.

The possessions, resources, abilities, and situations that God has given us are not in our storerooms to look nice, fill space, or simply be accumulated. He gives to help. He gives for purpose. He gives as a physical manifestation of His presence.

God has only abandoned ONE of His people, at ONE particular moment in time. On the cross, His beloved Son cried out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”

Our eyes and hearts do not discern Him at times. His presence is not found, sometimes, in the obvious ways we expect. In sorrow, pain, and fear, we are occasionally blinded to His presence.

But He is here.

He has given us signs of His presence. The money in our checkbooks, the food in our pantries, the stuff in our closets are not just nice, cool, pleasant blessings. Those things are what God has put in our Utility Belts to help us. Those things are what God has put in our Utility Belts because He knows we need them at a given moment. Those things are what God has put in our Utility Belt because He has not left us, or forsaken us, or abandoned us, or forgotten us.

When it feels like God has left you alone, remember your five pairs of pants. When it feels like God has left you alone, remember your four tires on most of your cars. When it feels like God has left you alone, remember your eight screwdrivers scattered around your house and garage. When it feels like God has left you alone, remember your leftovers in the fridge.

Notice what you have and be content. Notice what you have, and be excited because God shows us, “I AM HERE.”

Fear not, because God is here.

Fear Not, Because of Jesus' Aid in Believing

While he was still speaking, someone from the ruler’s house came and said, “Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more.”  But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.”  (Luke 8:49,50 ESV)

We have a new reclining couch.  We now have a cushy, comfy, cool place to make the hard labor of watching tv more pleasant.  Lean back… sigh with contentment… and watch in physical peace.

When it is time reluctantly to stand up, the process seems simple.  Shift weight forward, press the footrest back, make the recliner say, “click,” and stand up!  The tricky part is making the recliner say, “click.”

Heel pressure at JUST the right way is necessary.  A little to the left or right… a bit too much or not quite enough pushing… the wrong angle of leg pressure… and the ‘click’ won’t happen.  And we would be stuck in the chair forever.

We’ve learned to identify the exact action.  It is simple, yet difficult.

Just like Jesus’ answer to the ruler’s fear.

Jesus tells the worried man that the answer to fear is belief.

Just believe.  That’s all.  Simple, right?

But oh so difficult.

It is hard to believe.  When our senses and experience and knowledge and habit pull us into the comfortable but dangerous realm of fear, believing the truth of God’s power, attention, and love is difficult. 

Yet Jesus answers our fear with instruction to believe, anyway.

It is a choice.  It is a reasonable choice, given who God is… but it is a choice that is hard to make sometimes.  We do not want to appear foolish or naïve.  We do not want to be surprised by the power of troubles.  We do not want to have regret after our faith.

The exact and specific and almost narrow point of pressure to defeat fear is belief.

And it is hard to find and use that point of pressure.  

God gives an example, though, of how to do it.  Another man in similar circumstances, maybe even hearing of Jesus’ instruction to believe in the face of fear said, “Lord I believe… help my unbelief.”  (Mark 9:24)

Belief as an answer to fear is best obtained by asking for it.  That exact pressure point of belief is best obtained by asking for it.  Abandoning fear and resting in belief is best obtained by asking for it.

I am choosing to believe…  Jesus, help me squash down my unbelief.

Fear not, because of Jesus’ aid in believing.