Afraid

 

    To be afraid is to fell pain or apprehension from anticipation of evil or consequences from doing evil.  To be afraid can be timidity when facing a circumstance where you need to have courage.  It can make you feel terrible, timorous, or dreadful.  God commands those that follow Him not to be afraid.  The fear of awe for Him can give you the courage to no longer be afraid of the world around you.  Throughout the Bible God commands his people to not be afraid.

    Fear was introduced into the world when Adam and Eve sinned.  They were afraid to face God.  They were afraid that God would kill them, but they used the excuse that they were naked.  They were never aware that they were naked because there was no shame until sin entered the world.  

    The consequences for their sin still impacts every generation until the end of time.  God cursed Satan to roam the world on his belly like a snake.  Women are supposed to submit to men and now have bad labor pains.  Men have to work hard to provide for their family.  They carry the burden of the struggle.  

    Moses was tending his flock when one day a bush went up in flames, but did not burn up.  This intrigued him to go investigate.  In the middle of the flames was an angel of God.  Moses was not afraid, but in awe.  

    Then God spoke from within the flames drawing Moses in until He ordered Moses to stop.  Moses was entering into God's presence which is holy.  He had to remove his shoes to stand on holy ground.  When God told him who He was is when Moses became afraid.  He was afraid to look at God.  This fear was awe based fear.

    The Hebrews were going to war against an army that had an artillery that they did not.  They were outnumbered and appeared incapable to the enemy.  Yet, God ordered them not to be afraid.  God had brought them there and would not leave them now.  God gave orders for the priest to speak to the army as they prepared for battle.  They were ordered not the be afraid, lose heart, panic, or tremble because they were meant to be confident in God to bring them victory.  If they had doubt that fed fear, then God would turn against them.  

    Doubt is displayed in fear and God will never honor those that do not trust Him.  Do not be afraid of your enemies that threaten your life or quality of life.  They can't touch your soul.  Fear only God who can destroy not only your life or livelihood, but also your soul.  God knows every hair on your head.  He is your creator,  Do you not believe that He know every aspect of what you are going through?  You are valuable to Him, so trust Him to take care of you, your needs, and the scary things of the world.

    Jesus' resurrection was a scary time for everyone.  The spiritual leaders feared a revolt.  His disciples thought he was stolen.  The women that entered the tomb saw a man in white.  They were in shock.  The angel told them not to be afraid because Jesus had risen from the dead.  He was alive again.  He ordered them to go tell the disciples.  Jesus had already went ahead to Galilee where they would find him like he said they would before he died.

    Jesus' resurrection guarantees that those that follow in faith have nothing to fear.  Life will happen.  Evil thrives in the world.  However, Jesus cleared the way for those that follow Him.  It is not an easy journey, but we have nothing to fear.

Genesis 3:8-19, Exodus 3:2-6, Deuteronomy 20:1-4, Matthew 10:26-31, & Mark 16:5-7