Fear leads faith leads to fear

2 Ch 20:1-12 - After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and with them some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle. Some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A great multitude is coming against you from Edom, from beyond the sea; and, behold, they are in Hazazon-tamar” (that is, Engedi). Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah assembled to seek help from the Lord; from all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord. And Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court, and said, “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? And they have lived in it and have built for you in it a sanctuary for your name, saying, ‘If disaster comes upon us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house and before you—for your name is in this house—and cry out to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came from the land of Egypt, and whom they avoided and did not destroy— behold, they reward us by coming to drive us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

This is such a great example of how to deal with fear. Jehoshaphat was afraid and instead of worrying or fretting or getting discouraged, he set his face to see the Lord and he proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. He prayed an amazing prayer, acknowledging God’s soveriengty, his power, his faithfulness, and his goodness. He spent time praising God which both glorifies God and puts all our problems and fears in their right perspective. I especially love the last line: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” This example of faith and fasting as a response to fear should be such an encouragement to us today.

2 Ch 20:13-17 - Meanwhile all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, son of Benaiah, son of Jeiel, son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, in the midst of the assembly. And he said, “Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, ‘Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s. Tomorrow go down against them. Behold, they will come up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, east of the wilderness of Jeruel. You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.”

As a result of their prayers, God speaks through Jahaziel in an amazing display of his Spirit. The tribe of Judah was to not be afraid because the battle is the Lord’s. They didn’t need to fight. All they needed to do was stand firm, hold their position and see the Lord work on their behalf because the Lord will be with them. They were commanded twice in this spirit-led exhortation: Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. I wonder how much we miss out on when we fear God, when we don’t have faith in God’s promises.

2 Ch 20:18-26 - Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice. And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed. For the men of Ammon and Moab rose against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, devoting them to destruction, and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they all helped to destroy one another. When Judah came to the watchtower of the wilderness, they looked toward the horde, and behold, there were dead bodies lying on the ground; none had escaped. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their spoil, they found among them, in great numbers, goods, clothing, and precious things, which they took for themselves until they could carry no more. They were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much. On the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Beracah, for there they blessed the Lord. Therefore the name of that place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day.

2 Ch 20:27-30 - Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat at their head, returning to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them rejoice over their enemies. They came to Jerusalem with harps and lyres and trumpets, to the house of the Lord. And the fear of God came on all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard that the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around.

The response of Jehoshaphat and all of Judah was worship and humility. Jehoshaphat exhorts the Jews with the great words of faith, “! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” It was when they began to sign and praise that God routed the enemies completely. Judah did nothing but reap the blessing of God’s work As a result of this mighty work of God, the fear of God can on all the kingdoms. Over and over again, I have seen in scripture that fear comes on people when we fear not and trust God. This is a perfect example of that.

How fear not leads to Fear Him, Part II

1 Ch 28:20-21 - Then David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.”

This is a continuation from yesterday, in that a few chapters later, again, David is exhorting and challenging his young and inexperienced son. These are his last words to his son before he died. They are a great reminder to us again that all things are from God, and for God and through God. David said that God is will not leave you or forsake you as he works for God to build him the house for the glory of God as he leads the people of God. David reminds him of his leadership responsibilities and the work that God has laid before him. Again, his only job is to be not fearful or discouraged, but to remain strong and courageous. Where does that courage come from? It comes from knowing that God will be with him as he does the work of God.

2 Ch 6:28-31 - “When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by any of your people Israel—each one aware of his afflictions and pains, and spreading out his hands toward this temple— then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with each man according to all he does, since you know his heart (for you alone know the hearts of men), so that they will fear you and walk in your ways all the time they live in the land you gave our fathers.

This prayer of Solomon was also given at the dedication of the temple as like yesterday. Solomon acknowledges in his prayer many things about our God. First, that though this temple has been completed and people will pray toward the temple, God dwells in Heaven. He also states that even though he dwells in heaven, that he alone knows the hearts of men. Lastly, Solomon asks that God would forgive each man so that they will fear him and walk in his ways. So far there has been many things that cause us to fear our God, but so far forgiveness has not been one of them. But, when we see the disciplines in our life, the famines and plagues and enemies coming into our own lives, when we cry out to God to forgives us, not only does he forgive us but that leads us to fear Him and causes us to walk in his ways. As the passage in Heb 12:11 says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” The training of this discipline causes us to fear our God. And again we see how when we don’t fear the world, it leads other to a correct fear of God. If the temple had not been built, Solomon would have never prayed this prayer.

How fear not leads to Fear Him, Part I

1 Ch 22:11-13 - “Now, my son, the Lord be with you, so that you may succeed in building the house of the Lord your God, as he has spoken concerning you. Only, may the Lord grant you discretion and understanding, that when he gives you charge over Israel you may keep the law of the Lord your God. Then you will prosper if you are careful to observe the statutes and the rules that the Lord commanded Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Fear not; do not be dismayed.

This passage is God heavy. We learn a great thing in this passage. But, first, some background. David is commission and exhorting his Solomon to carry on the plans for building the temple. David desired to build it, but God did not let him. And now, it is up to Solomon to carry out this great task. These are David’s last words and the passion of David pour s out. There are some great lessons for us to learn from this. We learn first that there are works for us to do. Ephesians 2:10 confirms this, that we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. Second, we learn that as we do these works for God, that for us to succeed we need Him to be with us. We need his indwelling presence to do that which he has planned for us to do. Third, we need God to grant us discretion and understanding so that we can obey the law of God. We are to be careful to keep the rules that God has commanded. It is for God and through God and to God that all things exist. We are dependent on God from first to last. It is fitting then, that after we are clear that everything is from and to and through God that we are commanded to Fear not. What is there to fear?

2 Ch 6:32-33 - “As for the foreigner who does not belong to your people Israel but has come from a distant land because of your great name and your mighty hand and your outstretched arm—when he comes and prays toward this temple, then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your own people Israel, and may know that this house I have built bears your Name.

This is a fitting passage because Solomon is praying at the dedication of the now completed temple. The prayer is long and amazing but in particular the above passage includes a prayer for the fear of God. He asks that God may hear the prayer of the foreigner who comes and prays to this temple so that the peoples of the earth may know His name and that they may fear Him as Israel does. This is an amazing before and after look at how when we do not fear it leads us to do works so that people may fear to one, true God.

When your reputation becomes His glory

1 Ch 14:13-17 - And the Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley. And when David again inquired of God, God said to him, “You shall not go up after them; go around and come against them opposite the balsam trees. And when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then go out to battle, for God has gone out before you to strike down the army of the Philistines.” And David did as God commanded him, and they struck down the Philistine army from Gibeon to Gezer. And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations.

The pivotal part of this passage is when that which could bring fear hits the Israel’s doorstep, David immediately inquires of the Lord. After he inquires, David get the answer for what He is to do. David trusts God and does exactly what he is supposed to do and God brings the victory. Something interesting happens here. Instead of saying “Do not Fear” to David, he puts the fear of David upon all the nations. The same people, the Philistines, had the same result as they did in the days of Goliath, because David feared God more than he feared people. And and interesting thing happens, the Lord brings the fear of David upon all the nations. Not only was David not fearful, but because of his unwavering trust in the most powerful one, God puts the fear of David upon all the nations. When the glory of God becomes our priority, God will bring his honor, and in this case, fear to all the nations. Read these words that David sang as they came victoriously home:

1 Ch 16:23-26 - Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be held in awe above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.

We are to declare his glory among the nations, by trusting Him and holding him in awe only. He is the true God who made the heavens and the earth and his people. Fear Him only!!!!

Fear leads to blessing

2 Ki 19:5-7 - When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’ ”

Here is another example that of the difference that the words of the Lord can make in a situation. If God says something, we can have confidence in his faithfulness to do what he has said and his power to enable the situation to go as He has planned. The promises of God are sure and we can rest assured that what He has said, he will do. Therefore, we do not need to be afraid. In this situation, the king of Assyria was make false claims and trying to deceive the people of Israel. King Hezekiah was very distressed by this ordeal and he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth. The prophet Isaiah came in and spoke the best words one can speak to a person who trusts in God, “Thus says the Lord.” If God says it, whatever is to follow can be considered done. Perhaps this is why Paul writes Col 3:16 - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. We need to remind one another of truths of what God has said, to show us reality in difficult situations.

Dt 5:29 - Oh, that their hearts would be inclined to fear me and keep all my commands always, so that it might go well with them and their children forever!

If we fear God, we will keep his commands. If we keep his commands, things will go well with us and our children. Quite simply, when we obey God’s word and turn from sin, there is blessing. If only we could grasp this fully and understand the importance of obeying God’s word. It provides us with confidence, assurance and joy.

Open your eyes

2 Ki 6:15-20 - When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. And when the Syrians came down against him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Please strike this people with blindness.” So he struck them with blindness in accordance with the prayer of Elisha. And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, and this is not the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he led them to Samaria. As soon as they entered Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw, and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

This is one of my favorite stories in the entire Bible. Elisha saw what the young man didn’t which was a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire. For the fear to be removed, Elisha first needed to pray. This is a great reminder. For our eyes to be open to the reality of the situation, we first need to pray. Prayer gives peace and comfort and power and joy. Elisha prayed for the servant to have his eyes open to see the spiritual reality of the situation. What a great prayer. If only we would pray that every time we feared, so that we could see God’s hand and His power present in a situation. The other prayer was to shut the eyes of the enemies. And then, in an amazing display he walked them a long distance to Samaria. May this be a reminder to us that when we are afraid, we ask that God would open our eyes and close the eyes of the enemy?

Do not Fear

Dt 10:21 - He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.

Just as the servant had his eyes opened, we too have seen God perform great and awesome deeds. May we remember often and make Him our praise. Is He our praise today? May your prayer be today that He would open your eyes to see the great and awesome wonders He is performing daily in your midst to both remove fear and cause you to fear Him only.

Finding your courage in the Word

Do not Fear

2 Ki 1:15-17 - Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron—is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of his word?—therefore you shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’ ” So he died according to the word of the Lord that Elijah had spoken. Jehoram became king in his place in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, because Ahaziah had no son.

When God speaks, or an angel speaks, or His word speaks, we have confidence and courage to act according to what has been said. In this occasion, an angel speaks to Elijah and tells him to go tell the king a very difficult message. There is nothing fun about this message, and yet Elijah obeys even though it could cost him his life. It is interesting the question that Elijah asks of the King, “Is it because there is no God in Isarael to inquire of His word?” God is still in Israel and His words stands both supreme and sovereign. It is His word that fills us with confidence to act courageously. It was the downfall of this king that He didn't seek the word of God and it was the courage of Elijah to hear and obey the word of God. The word gives us the confidence to act in obedience.

Fear God

Dt 4:10 - Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”

The beginning of revering or fearing God is hearing His words. Our courage comes from His words because we know that He is faithful and true. So, when we hear his words, we need to be careful to fear Him more in obedience than fear the situation we are in. In addition, we are commanded to pass them onto our children and the next generation.