Fear Not, Because of God's Will

And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of Saul my father shall not find you. You shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. Saul my father also knows this.” (I Samuel 23:17 ESV)

Compare Jonathan and Saul. Both men could see what God was doing regarding David. Both men could see that David was a man after God’s own heart (I Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) Both men knew that Saul’s kingship was over, and David’s kingship was coming.

But Jonathan and Saul reacted in different ways. Saul saw God’s favor on David and acted like Cain. Jonathan saw God’s favor on David and acted like… well, like Jonathan.

Jonathan discerned what God was up to and got in line with Him. Jonathan’s acceptance of God’s Willwas costly to Jonathan. Jonathan’s acceptance of God’s Will caused humiliation to Jonathan. Jonathan’s acceptance of God’s Will could have resulted in a rift with Jonathan’s beloved best friend.

But instead, by accepting God’s Will, Jonathan found peace, hope for Israel, love with David, and rejection of fear.

Not only for himself… but he was able to help David get rid of fear.

When Jonathan tells David to not fear, Jonathan is really telling David that God’s Will is strong, good, exciting, and worth clinging to.

It is for us, too.

Fear not, because of God’s Will.

Fear Not, Because God is on the Side of His People

When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, (Deuteronomy 20:1 ESV)

War is always scary. When Moses tells Israel to not be afraid if they go to war, he is speaking of a an extremely likely emotional reaction. Israel was not yet the mighty nation of David’s time. Israel had not yet been established as the powerhouse of the Middle East. Israel did not yet have an army of Joshua’s ninja fighters, David’s Mighty Men, or Solomon’s trained charioteers.

If Moses’ Israel went to war, they would be out-numbered, out-skilled, out-trained, and out-experienced. Israel would be wielding sticks and stones, and their enemies would be wielding swords, spears, and horse-hooves.

It would be reasonable for the warring Israelites to be afraid.

But Moses knows what he is talking about. First, any war during Moses’ (or Joshua’s) time would be a war commanded by God. God would accomplish His goals. Israel had nothing to fear.

Second, perhaps because the Israelites would be fighting under a disadvantage, those Israelites would be fighting in faith. And God honors faith.

Third, Moses understood that whether the Israelites had more or less soldiers than the enemy… more or less weapons than the enemy… more or less training than the enemy… more or less fighting-reputation than the enemy… It is always God who wins.

And that is Moses’ point. God always wins.

So the best way to avoid fear in the conflict of our lives is to be on God’s side.

Fear not, because God is on the side of His people.

Fear Not, Because of God's Favor

And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. (Luke 1:30 ESV)

Mary was a young woman with plenty of things to fear.  She did not know it yet, but shunning was coming.  Her community was about to shun her. (She was pregnant outside of marriage.)  Her immediate family was about to shun her. (She was pregnant and sullying her family’s good name.)  Her fiancé was about to shun her. (She was pregnant, and NOT from anything to do with noble Joseph.) 

But God cut all that shunning off at the pass.

The FIRST words of the angel were, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” (Luke 1:28 ESV) If God is with her, who can be against her? (Romans 8:31) Nothing that Mary is about to be afraid of is worth fearing.

Mary could have sought favor with Joseph… or her family… or the community at large.  But why?  The angel knew EXACTLY what she needed to hear.  She already had found favor with God.

So Mary listened.  With the faith of a child, she accepts this shocking news of her pregnancy.  In the end, she responds, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38 ESV)

We sometimes find it hard to accept, but the angel’s words to Mary can also be said to us.  Because of Christ, God finds favor with us, too.

Not because we are already holy, or wise, or clever, or cute, or pleasant, or in the right groups.  But because of God’s grace.  Which ADDS to the security of God’s favor, because keeping it is therefore not dependent on us, either. 

Fear not, because of God’s favor.

Fear Not, Because Shame is Forgotten

Fear not, for you will not be ashamed; be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more. (Isaiah 54:4 ESV)

Isaiah refers to shame twice because there are two kinds of shame. We feel shame for our circumstances, and we feel shame for our actions.

Our Redeemer abolishes both.

First, Isaiah mentions widowhood as a circumstance that often (inappropriately) brought shame in Israel. The poor, the homeless, the destitute, those without family were looked at with scorn. In the book of Acts, THIS is why deacons were established. To help those in ‘shameful’ circumstances. But not just for the sake of Social Justice.

Isaiah declares that our Redeemer removes shame from our circumstances. Perhaps because in Christ, we realize that our circumstances are always God’s work in our lives for our own good. Perhaps because Christians are blessed by God, even if such blessings are harder to discern than our unpleasant circumstances imply. Perhaps because our present circumstances, hard OR easy, are always and suddenly cause for contentment, and not for shame or pride.

But because of our sovereign loving Redeemer, there is no shame in circumstance.

Second, Isaiah mentions the shame of our youth. Our earlier irresponsible and immature actions done in foolishness rather than wisdom. Isaiah might be thinking of Psalm 25:7, where the Psalmist speaks of the sins of our youth. But not merely the shame of long ago. Our shame for our immature actions can find root yesterday, too.

Christians remember our sins and feel ashamed.

BUT… and this is huge… Isaiah tells us that our shame is forgotten by God… and can be forgotten by US, too!

Shame that reminds us of the glorious Grace of our Redeemer is a good thing. But shame that causes us to fear is not. It is not necessary since our Redeemer took that shame on Himself. It is inaccurate because GOD has forgotten, how dare we recall? It is gone in every important aspect of reality, except sometimes our minds.

In Christ, there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Fear not, because shame is forgotten.

Fear Not, Because of Our Redeemer

And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my fellow townsmen know that you are a worthy woman. And now it is true that I am a redeemer. (Ruth 3:11,12 ESV)

Boaz saw Ruth and understood her fear.  She was unrooted, unprotected, and unnoticed.  A gleaner from the edge of life’s field.  A widow in a family of widows. 

More than most, Ruth had reason to be afraid.   A foreigner in a land of prejudice.  Husbandless in a society structured on the marriage vow. A gentile in a land of the covenant.

And Boaz helped her.  He accepted the role of redeemer.  He risked his own reputation to establish Ruth’s.  He risked his own family to bring Ruth into a family.  He risked his possessions to provide for Ruth’s physical needs.

And Boaz tells Ruth why.  Ruth was a worthy woman.

More than that, Boaz claims that Bethlehem Ephrathah all know of her worth.

Was she an especially good harvester, after only one day?  Was she already known for her wisdom, for her righteousness, for her kindness?  Was she a good dresser? A smiling face?  Those things were not what Boaz meant when he called Ruth, “worthy.”

Probably one thing was known by the whole town.  She was a goyim, from Moab of all places… who had chosen God.  She had said this to her Mother-in-law: “For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”  (Ruth 1:16 ESV)

Ruth was worthy because Ruth was a God-fearer.  Ruth had chosen the One True Living God.  THAT news had spread through town like wildfire.

So Boaz knew that Ruth had nothing to fear.

Not because Boaz would be her practical redeemer.  But because Ruth had a Redemer.

And so do we.  Boaz and Ruth looked forward to a mysterious Redeemer that they barely understood.  But we know Who He was, and is, and will be.

Fear not, because of our Redeemer.

Fear Not, Because of Salvation

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.

Fear Not, Because You Have a Crown

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. (Revelation 2:10 ESV)

A crown can be something that symbolizes royalty, membership in a particular noble family. A crown can be the highest point of something, like the pinnacle of a mountain. A crown can be the best of something: a crowning achievement.

Jesus promises the crown of life to the church in Smyrna, as a reason for them to not be afraid.

What is He promising?

The good results of belonging to Christ take place both eternally in heaven AND right here, right now, right around us. Paul mentions both of these aspect of blessings in I Corinthians 15:19. And of course heaven is heavenly! But God also promises blessings that His people experience before we die.

And the crown of life refers to these blessings.

Jesus promises to give the best of life to those who have faith.

I know that sounds like a prosperity gospel sort of childish hope. But it really is not.

He is not promising fast cars, or tasty steaks, or silky sheets, or manicured lawns, or the best pets EVER. He is using HIS definition of the best life. He is guaranteeing again that He will be giving His people what is best for us. A blessed life. A life that when it is done, with heaven’s eyes, we will look back and understand, “ahhh… yes, that WAS the best for me! Thank You, Jesus!”

Have faith in the face of fearful things (even persecution!) because Jesus is giving you the best of all possible lives. He gives THAT crown to the faithful.

Believe that Jesus is already working in every moment of the history of the world for the BEST for His people, even when it is hard to understand, because Jesus is treating you as you are… a member of His royal family! He gives THAT crown to believers.

Trust that the darkest of days are somehow the best of days, because Jesus gives us mountaintop experiences even in the valley of the shadow of death. He defines altitude. He gives THAT crown to believers.

Fear not, because you have a crown.

Fear Not, Because God Likes You

Thus says the Lord who made you, who formed you from the womb and will help you: Fear not, O Jacob my servant, Jeshurun whom I have chosen. (Isaiah 44:2 ESV)

Nicknames can be derogatory, or affectionate, depending on who is using it.   Even the same nickname can be either insulting or complementary, hurtful or kind, dividing or unifying.

In this verse, God focuses on a couple of His nicknames for His people Israel.    And He definitely uses the nicknames affectionately… as a comfort to the frightened nation of Judah.  Everything is going wrong for them, and things are going to get worse.  But God calls them sweet names… names of historical value… names of relationship… private, loving, personal, covenantal names.

He calls them, “Jacob,” referring to the man whose name was changed to Israel.  Pretty clearly, the prophet Isaiah is attempting to comfort the southern Israelite kingdom, Judah, by reminding them that God formed their nation.  And more than that, God formed their nation on the back of a less-than-reputable character.  Jacob was a trickster, a liar, a sneak, and often unreliable.  Israel was not formed as a reward for good behavior, but because of unconditional love.

But the second, more rarely used, nickname for Israel is, “Jeshurun.”  God affectionately uses this name in Deuteronomy 32:15, 33:5, 33:5, 33:6, and 33:26.  It means, literally, ‘little straight one.’  It might be an ironic nickname, it might be a hopeful nickname, it might be a theologically precise nickname, but God uses it while ruffling Israel’s hair… with a warm smile on His face.

There is also a connection in the New Testament between Jeshurun and the words translated, ‘beloved’ in passages like Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Colossians 3:12, I Thessalonians 1:4, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 and Jude 1.

Isaiah offers this comfort to the troubled people of Judah.  They can relax because God loves them.  And He also likes them.  We don’t use affectionate nicknames for people we don’t like, and neither does God. 

Those nicknames apply to us, too.

No matter how difficult things get… be comforted in the fact that God likes us.

Fear not, because God likes you.

Fear Not, Because God is at Work

Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” (Exodus 20:20 ESV)

I lay on my stomach in the hospital bed. Two nurses and a doctor lurked above me, and took turns poking my back with railroad spikes, daggers, and poison-covered scalpels.

Or so it seemed to my five-year-old sensibilities.

I had been hospitalized due to a severe allergic reaction to hay… while I was playing in a barn. And the staff determined that I was probably one of those allergy kids. So they drew a checkerboard on my back, and tested each square with small pins, each tip covered with a substance in order to gauge my reaction. Rash? Allergic. No rash? Fine.

I do not remember much interaction with the doctor. But I remember my concerned parents, listening to their little boy’s exaggerated screams, trying to explain testing, temporary, and ‘things-for-your-own-good.’ I do not remember listening to them.

But I should have.

Hard and painful events are sometimes, in this sin-broken world, necessary for a purpose beyond our immediate understanding.

Our loving God really IS in charge. Our loving God really DOES have more awareness than we do. Our loving God really HAS our good in His mind. Our loving God really CAN do difficult things in our lives that have wonderful purposes.

“In God We Trust,” does not refer only to the good things in a Christian’s life. “In God We Trust,” also refers to the confusing, painful, tragic, disappointing, sad, and seemingly hopeless things.

At the very least, we learn thereby what trust really is. Complete. In all circumstances. Peace. Even the absence of fear.

Fear not, because God is at work.

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.