Fear Not

Your life aligns with God's plan when Jesus is the final authority in your life.

“Joseph died, as did all his brothers...The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied...Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who didn’t know Joseph. He said to his people, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. Therefore, they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens...The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve, and they made their lives bitter with hard service in mortar and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve...the midwives feared God, and didn’t do what the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby boys alive...Pharaoh commanded all his people, saying, “You shall cast every son who is born into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.”

Exodus 1:6-9, 11, 13-14, 17 22 

People say gratitude is the shortest lasting emotion. The Egyptian people were saved by God through Joseph's wisdom and guidance. How did they repay Joseph's family line? They enslaved them and murdered their sons.

In the midst of an incredibly difficult time the midwives emerge as heroes who live by faith in God. They could have been killed for disobeying the orders of the Pharaoh, but the text says they lived feared God. These brave women lived for an audience of one and God's voice was louder in their hearts than the Pharaoh. What voices are you listening to today? The voice of truth or the voice of fear?

“Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me. Against you, and you only, I have sinned...Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Don’t throw me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation."

Psalms 51:1-4, 7, 10-12, 16-17 

Neither you, nor anyone in all the Earth can give you what God can give you. Jesus alone cleanses us from our sins and can create in us a clean heart if we give it to Him. This humble song of David is one that all believers should sing out daily. Lord Jesus, thank you for cleansing me of my sin. Against you alone have I sinned. Created in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. How can we elevate Jesus and humble ourselves today?

"Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death."

Song of Solomon 8:3, 6, 12 

Why would someone set a seal on their heart or their arm? What does a seal do? It reminds us of what matters most. Jesus seals our hearts and minds with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The challenge is if we will allow our hearts to remain in Him, abide in Him, dwell in Him or if we will wander like sheep from the pen. How can you seal heart to guard it from outside influences and remind yourself that Jesus is your first love?

“Listen to me, you who follow after righteousness...Listen to me, my people...I will establish my justice for a light to the peoples. My righteousness is near. My salvation has gone out...my salvation will be forever, and my righteousness will not be abolished...Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law. Don’t fear the reproach of men, and don’t be dismayed at their insults. Those ransomed by Yahweh will return, and come with singing"

Isaiah 51:1, 4-7, 11, 16

God speaks. He is always speaking. His people learn to hear His voice and follow Him alone. His voice will calm your fears and bring peace to your hearts. What is in your heart? God calls you to store up his law, the law of love, and He promises to bring us to a place of connection and rejoicing. Can you hear His voice?

“Jesus went with them. When he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. Therefore I didn’t even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed. When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turned and said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.” Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well."

Luke 7:6-10

It is amazing how times of crisis or loss provide clarity. So often in life we fear what might happen or others might say or do, but when we face the hardest days of our lives, the only one we can turn to is Jesus. He alone holds the keys to salvation and hope that a prayer will be answered. He is the final authority and the only one worthy of our devoted hearts.

Jesus says do not fear, your faith can make you well. The centurion when facing the loss of his loved sheds even the fear of death and takes a bold step of faith declaring that just a word from Jesus mouth would bring healing. It was true then and it is true now. Boldness and belief in Jesus will bring healing and save others. The midwives in Egypt boldly believed just like the foreign centurion. No matter where you have been or what your background is, when you trust in Jesus, your life will never be the same. He is calling your name and invites you to give Him the final say in what you do with the life He has given you.