Fear not, part 2

From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Fear not, part 2

From the introduction to part 1- Fear is an emotion we experience more often than we would admit. Sometimes, it is concerning "small" things, such as fearing you might not have quite enough gas to make it to the gas station. Other times, it arises from something much larger, such as a car suddenly swerving head on into our path as we drive along. It almost always, though, stems from our realized inability to do anything about the situation, a sudden helplessness we experience towards the danger we face at that moment. Some try to handle their fear like the imagined way an ostrich does (it's not true about them, though), by "hiding their head in the sand." Others put out a false bravado, saying "I'm not afraid of that!" No matter how we try to handle it, the fear remains, for we know inside we really cannot handle it on our own. Many times the Bible reveals examples of people experiencing fear, but God never recommends the person suffering it handle it themselves. HE always recommends looking to Him, reminding them and us HE can and will handle anything if we look to Him for help and deliverance. I want to give a series of messages dealing with several of these Biblical examples, so we can learn to apply them to ourselves as we face similar events or situations.

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John. (Luke 1:10-13 (KJV) "He was troubled" means he was agitated. "Fear fell upon him" means he was covered with terror. Notice this is another instance of angelic visitors standing close to people, just like when the shepherds had their visitation. Up close and personal is the way God usually gives His messages to His children. HE makes sure we can hear and understand the message. Another example of this is in the fact the Angel stood by the altar of incense, for Zacharias was there to burn incense unto the Lord. God comes to us where we are. HE is not a God far off, making us strain to hear His voice. HE hears our prayers and answers them; fear not!

Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. (Matthew 10:26 (KJV) Jesus told His Disciples there would come a time when His followers would be sought out and persecuted. HE knew they/us would feel as if no one cared and they/us were all alone, at their mercy. Jesus told them/us, fear not, for I am watching and it is not going unnoticed. God also told us, in another passage, that not only would HE see, but HE would also take care of those enemies: Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. (Romans 12:19 (KJV) Paul could have been referring to over 30 different Old Testament passages when he penned this passage in Romans. God wants us to know HE sees, and HE will take care of it. Our/His enemies will not get away with it. Fear not!

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28 (KJV) Jesus reminds His people of all times, that the very worst thing our/His enemies could do is kill this mortal body. Reminding us this body is only temporary, HE tells us to not fear them, that is the very worst they can do. Instead, we should fear/reverence/obey Him, the One Who has control over our eternal state. The word translated as "destroy" here is similar in meaning to what a person of today would say if something calamitous happened that would take away everything he had. He would say something like, "I've been destroyed!" That would mean the things in his life no longer affected him for good. Those who are cast in hell are no longer affected for good by the things of this life. The rich man described by Jesus in Luke 16:19-31 was no longer affected for good by all his money, fine clothes, and fancy foods, nor did he have any hope. He existed (and still does today, almost 2,000 years later!), but nothing helped him. He was destroyed. In Hell, God removes you from anything affecting you for good. We are not to fear those who can only temporarily stop this body, because we will have a new body, mind, and spirit, given to us by HE Who can give them. Fear not anyone else!