[God's promises are all "Yea and Amen" in Christ Jesus. But let us see
that we take them all from the hand of Jesus. Let the Owner of the Vineyard
give us the grapes; let us not pick them as they hang over the wall. Is Christ
yours? Then His promises are yours.]
"Fear not, Abraham; I am thy shield and thy
exceeding great reward." - Gen.15:1. The first time in the Bible
"FEAR NOT" occurs. It is spoken to a sinner who simply
believed God when He told him of the Promised Seed. It is for thee, also, who
believest in that Promised One.
"Fear not; for God hath heard the voice of
the lad where he is." - Gen.21:17. The second time in the Bible
"FEAR NOT" occurs. It is kindly spoken to one who had
had shortly before a visit of the Angel of the Covenant (chap.16:10). Has He
taken away thy great burden of sin? Then, "What aileth thee, Hagar?
FEAR NOT" - He will order this providence for good.
"Fear not; for I am with thee, and will
bless thee." - Gen.26:24. Spoken to Isaac, who had Abraham's God
as his God. Hast thou annoyance from envious neighbours? If the God of Isaac is
thine, this "FEAR NOT" is for thee. Thou shalt
prosper.
"Fear not; your God and the God of your
father hath given you treasure." - Gen.43:23. God removes our
suspicious alarms, as Joseph did those of his brethren, here and in chap.50:19,
by showing us that He has got full payment, and has thoughts of love towards
us. Just as Boaz (Ruth 3:11) removed fear from Ruth, by telling what was in his
heart ; and as David (1 Sam. 22:23) dispelled Abiathar's by declaring that now
he had on his side one who would die sooner than see him injured.
"Fear not to go down into Egypt."
- Gen.46:3. Spoken to Jacob, about to proceed on a journey, in his old age,
under circumstances of anxiety. "I am God ; FEAR NOT !"
This is enough for thee, who knowest by experience that thy God has saved thy
soul.
"Fear ye not ; stand still and see the
salvation of the Lord." - Exod.14:13 To Israel at the Red Sea.
Has God made the path of duty plain to thee? Then, hesitate not to trust Him to
carry thee through it. Thy way will open out as thou advancest. How different
the event when man, and not God, speaks ! Those that stood by Rachel,
Gen.35:17, like those who stood by Phinehas' daughter, 1 Sam.4:20, said "FEAR NOT ;" yet death did come. And Jael met Sisera (Judges
4:18) with the same words ; but the end was death.
"Fear not ; for God is come to prove you
that His fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not." - Exod.
20:20. At Sinai, when the people so felt the law and majesty of God as to
cry out for a Mediator. Art thou feeling the same? Let it drive thee to the
Mediator, Jesus, in whom thy sin is hidden, and from whom the Spirit of
Holiness comes.
60. "Fear not : I am the First and the
Last : I am he that liveth and was dead, and behold ! I am alive for evermore,
Amen ; and have the keys of hell and of death." - Rev. 1:17. Do you
ever think you must tremble as you enter within the vail? or when the Lord
comes again in His glory? Fear not ! He will gently lay His hand on
thee, put strength in thee, and show thee Himself - yes, Himself who died, and
who liveth evermore for us ! Himself, who has thy name on His heart !
