Today, we are living in post-modern period where everything is seen to be formless. There is no proper formality. Everything depends on your own perspective, and there seems to be no principle that will govern everything. There is nothing wrong, and at the same time, there is nothing right. In this situation, religion seems to be nothing and useless. No one cares about religious principles, but their own life. So, there is no governing principle in their life and they end-up their life easily and shamefully. In the case of our formal President, I didn’t blame him or any body else. When I watched the funeral program on Friday for a short time, I feel the need to pray for the people around us. They need someone who will comfort them, who will strengthen them, and who will encourage them, particularly in times of disappointment, fear, loneliness, and even in times of anger. When there is no governing principle, the life of a person is always in confusion between principles.
God knows that such things can happen in human heart and it can easily control the behavior of a person. So, he gave to his own people a command NOT TO FEAR.
‘Fear Not’ is one the most important commands we see in the Bible. Whenever God gives commands, there are specific reasons. In fact, God’s commands are not without basis. They are based on a good number of reasons.
When you look at the verse, Isaiah 41:10, you will see two commands and five reasons for the commands. ‘Fear Not’ is the first command at the beginning of the verse, and the second is ‘Do Not Be Dismayed.’ And there are five reasons for the commands.
The five reasons are -
- “For I am with you”--- “Do not fear, for I am with you.” God is with me.
- “I am your God”--- “Do not fear, for I am your God.” God is my God. In other words, the God who is with me is my God. He does not belong to somebody else, but to me. There is an intimate relationship. If I say, “The one who was sitting beside me in the car was my wife,” there is a close relationship between me and the one who was sitting beside me. So, God is with me, and He is my God. Amen.
- “I will strengthen you”--- “Do not fear, for I will strengthen you.” My God will strengthen me when I am weak. He will encourage me when I am discouraged. He will strengthen me when I am frustrated. He will strengthen me when I am heavy burdened. Amen.
- “I will help you”--- “Do not fear, for I will help you.” God will strengthen me and help me. He will help me when I am helpless. He will help me when I am lonely, persecuted, and humiliated. He will help when I can’t solve my problem, Amen! God is with me, and he is my God. He will strengthen me, and he will help me.
- “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”--- “Do not fear, I will uphold you, or I will sustain you.” God will let me go through all life’s problems. God will sustain my life in the midst of all problems and sufferings. He will keep me going with his righteous right hand.
So, God commands us to be free from fear. And we have enough reasons to obey his commands. God’s commands are always with the divine support.
Fear not…. God is with you
Fear not…. God is your God
Fear not…. God will strengthen you
Fear not…. God will help you
Fear not…. God will sustain you
So, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, God commands us not to fear. Since he holds the future, he knows the situation of the world more than we do. In every situation of our life, God wants us to live in peace, peace in the midst of all kinds of problem and suffering. He will strengthen you, help you and sustain your life for his glory.
God bless you all.
Let’s pray: Our heavenly father, thank you so much for your command, not to fear and not to be dismayed. You alone are our God, our helper, our sustainer. In you alone we have peace, and we are strengthened. Lord, bless this people whom you have chosen in Christ Jesus. Strengthen them, encourage them, help them and sustain their life. Let them live with a peaceful mind and let your name be glorified, because I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Singjii church, Seoul on May 31, 2009: 3:00pm)
