There are no greater words of comfort for someone in a dire situation than “don’t be afraid”. When someone says these words they must be able to deliver and you must believe that they can provide this fearlessness they are offering to you. If you do not believe them then you will still be afraid. Matthew 14:27 tells us “Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” When we believe Jesus, fear leaves us just as in Mark 5 “He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” 35 While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” they said. “Why bother the teacher anymore?” 36 Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.” Luke 8:50 “Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” So many times through scripture (NIV- over 70 times) we are told do not be afraid or don’t be afraid or fear not. This is not actually a suggestion but a command. Do not simply means do not do this. This do not is all about obedience. The meaning here is that if you do not you are being disobedient. Not only is this disobedience but also there will be some bad consequences. For example God said do not be afraid of the enemy in the Promised Land, they disobeyed and were fearful and that generation did not get to enter it. Deuteronomy 1:21 “See, the Lord your God has given you the land. Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” If you today were to read every verse in the bible with do not be afraid you would see that you have nothing to fear. The next step is whether or not you will obey. Hebrews 13 “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Once you grasp that we are to be very afraid of God so that we will be afraid of nothing, else your life will radically change. Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Rock Report by Pastor Paul
This is a blog that comes from my personal devotions each day. The Blog has replaced the Sermon section. There will also be the occassional food for thought.
