The Holy Hill
Fear has no power over us because of our faith in Jesus our savior.
The famine was severe in the land. When they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little more food...He said, “Peace be to you. Don’t be afraid. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money.”
Genesis 43:1-3, 15, 23
Joseph's brothers must have been afraid. They were out of food and had a terrible experience the last time they went to Egypt. They did not have a choice if they wanted to live. They went back and what did they find? God had worked ahead of them. The man they feared fed them, blessed them, and encouraged them to praise the God who provides.
How often does God provide and yet we persist in being afraid of what might happen? What would happen if we gave thanks before the answered prayer?
“Oh, send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy hill...Hope in God! For I shall still praise him: my Savior, my helper, and my God.”
Psalms 43:3-5
Long before Jesus, David prays for the light and the truth. He prays for God to lead Him. He sings of the holy hill where he will find a savior. David personalized his praise. How will you praise your savior today?
“Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth...Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened...before the silver cord is severed...and the spirit returns to God who gave it...Fear God and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man."
Ecclesiastes 12:1-3, 5-7, 13-14
One truth we know is that our time on Earth is finite. We only have so many minutes. Solomon says to remember and have reverence for your creator. Solomon says you have a job to do and it is to live intentionally according to what God has said. How can this advice shape the way we think? Are you following what Jesus has called you to do?
"Yahweh who created you, Jacob, and he who formed you, Israel, says: “Don’t be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine. For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...Don’t remember the former things, and don’t consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing."
Isaiah 43:1, 3-5, 7, 18-19, 21
We are all saved from our old life for a new life. What is the kingdom life that Jesus has prepared for you? Have you learned what your identity is and what He formed you to be? You are not your own. You are the Lord's. He says He made you, He redeemed you, He calls you by name, and He is doing a new thing. Will you choose to walk in the light of this new identity free from looking back and press on for what is to come?
“Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to him whom you call the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Crucify him!"...They struck his head with a reed and spat on him...With him they crucified two robbers, one on his right hand, and one on his left...Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit. The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom...When the centurion, who stood by opposite him, saw that he cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!””
Mark 15:12-13, 15, 19, 26-27, 37-39
On the Holy Hill, Jesus suffered the most painful, excruciating death the Romans could inflict. Have you thought about what He went through for you? The nails that were driven through His flesh, the torturer He suffered, and agony He felt? Your new life was bought at the highest price of the sinless Son of God. He poured out His life as an offering for you to have your new life.
Remember Him for what He has done and reverently respond with a heart of gratitude for how He has freed you to become who you are made to be. How can you best honor His sacrifice? By discarding the voice of fear and choosing to listen to the voice of truth that calls you by name, redeemed your soul, and invites you to walk by the spirit as He does a new thing in you.