February 25 - Do Not Fear...
Times are frightening. The threat of the whole world changing into something we won't recognize is terrifying. Thinking about the "what ifs" steals our time and sucks away the hope of a peaceful existence. The bible is full of encouraging words for times like these. The Old Testament has verse after verse about trusting in God and then the promise that He will rescue. But are those promises that we have the right to demand? If you read the Old Testament it feels like the believers had only to believe and to obey the best they could to receive help and salvation from God. The faithful were blessed and the unfaithful were punished. Then Christ arrives on the scene and all that seems to change. The faithful are mistreated, oppressed and killed. There are stories of rescue and miracles sprinkled amongst the trials but the focus is different. In the Old Testament God showed that He was God through the people of Israel. The world watched this display of power which basically started with their escape from Egypt and continued throughout their wanderings and eventual conquering of the promise land. Of course it all really started in the beginning of creation. It became global however when it began to affect the world outside of their problems. The world saw that when Israel was faithful they were miraculously strong. Then they witnessed lost wars and conquered cities because of godless kings who no longer feared God. They watched as the nation's unfaithfulness resulted in destruction and slavery.
Next, years and years of silence from God then BAM, Christ is born. But the method God used to show the the world He is THE ONE TRUE GOD was very different. There was no mass exodus from a foreign country, no mighty king to take control and lead miraculous battles in order to conquer surrounding lands. Instead...a lamb led to slaughter.
Why the difference? Why the meek and the humble? Why a suffering King and martyred followers? Isn't it really the same? God's strength is made evident in our weakness. Before it was the weakness of a nation and now it is the weakness of individuals. God used Himself via prophets to guide, direct and reveal His wishes in the old covenant. Now, each believer has a modern version of that in the person of the Holy Spirit. It really is the same, it just moved from a group thing to an individual thing.
It is all about God showing the world who He is through His people. That part has never changed.
The Old Testament verses of comfort are still effective today keeping the following in mind; many spoke about physical promises of heath or rescue and salvation from the hand of enemies. But not only did the New Covenant change the deal from being a group issue to an individual one, it also added a spiritual element which deals with more than a physical issue of safety and freedom. If you don't believe me then just look at the lives of the disciples. They were some of the most faithful people we have heard of and they were imprisoned or tortured or killed. Christ Himself was the FAITHFUL ONE and it did not add one day to His life. The New Testament verses of encouragement are only comforting if you truly believe that the prize is God and to be with Him forever the goal. If the reward is escaping hell or having a good life then these verses are terrifying.
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 10:26-33 (ESV)
Let us make sure we are fearing the right thing, then we can be sure that no matter our fate, God's strength will be made perfect in our weakness.
God remind us that the purpose of our life is to show that You alone are God the PRIZE at the end of our mortality.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ESV)
