Saturday, November 10, 2007

Day 25 - Deut 31:6

Do not Fear and Fear God

Deuteronomy 31:6 - 6 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.”

This was Moses challenge to the people on the occasion of Moses' 120th birthday. He saw that his end was near, and he was giving the challenge to the next generation who would conquer the promised land. If you read this passage in context, you get the basis for why they are not supposed to fear. Moses said that the Lord will go over the Jordan before them, that He will destroy the nations before them, and that He will give them (the nations) to them. The only thing that the Israelites had to do was to be strong and courageous (not do strong and courageous, just BE) and do not fear them... Again, he reminds them the reason for no fear is because it is the Lord your personal and loving God who goes with you. And, he will not leave or forsake you. I am not sure if we could ask for any greater assurances or promises in these verses. He could just say, "Don't fear!" but instead he gives us Himself as the reason for not fearing. Fear Him as the protector, the powerful one, and the faithful one . I find this comforting and encouraging.