Are You in Fear?

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)

In reading our scripture today, who are “them,” those we are not to fear or dread? Is it the man on the street with the gun? The murder, the carjacker? Is it the landlord, the boss, or the government? Is it Satan and his henchmen? Is it evil, unclean spirits?

Respect God

The truth is we are to fear God. Samuel said to Israel, “If you will fear the Lord and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, and if both you and the king who reigns over you will follow the Lord your God, it will be well.” (1 Samuel 12:14.) We are taught to fear God, and rightly so. God is all holy, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent. We, however, are not holy.

Jesus Knew

As Jesus was fully immersed in His ministry, He began to challenge the Pharisees and Sadducees. While the disciples may not have been aware the Jewish leaders would target them for prosecution, I am sure it was known to Jesus. I am also sure that Jesus knew His disciples would experience fear of those who would persecute them and that they would compromise their faith. Jesus told Peter that Peter would deny Him, so Jesus knew He was omniscient. Jesus told His disciples, “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:4-7 ESV.) Jesus was talking about God.

The Fallen Morning Star

Yes, Satan is the prince of this world, the prince of the power of the air, but Satan is still subordinate to God. Satan can tempt us, trying to capitalize on our weakness to lead us away from God, but he does not hold the power to place someone in hell. Satan can only lead you to the door of hell. Jesus crushed Satan when he overcame death and, in doing so, opened the door to heaven for all of us, defeating sin and death.

Yes it is Real

My brothers and sisters, Hell is real. In the Bible, Jesus tells us more about hell than anyone. We understand the consequences of not believing in Jesus or professing faith and then abandoning it. When we follow Jesus, God will always provide for us. What is difficult for some to understand is the duality of God. We should have a healthy fear of God because he does have the power to cast unbelievers and sinners into hell, but as believers, we should not cower before Christ because we are children of God. We should liken our fear to that of a child who, out of respect, fears their earthly father.

Great Words, Great Man

Dr. R.C. Sproul wrote, “Fear God, but in that fear of God, do not think that under the gaze of God, you are reduced to insignificance.” God loves us and cares for us. When we are delighted in God, God is wholly glorified through our satisfaction. We are significant to God.

Shalom Aleichem, Peace be upon you.