We don’t need an engraved invitation to call our attention to abject fear! Examples of unchecked fear surround us every day. Driving along a highway and you tap the brakes to slow down and your brakes fail. You lose an envelope full of cash after cashing your check. Your child is playing in the grass and you spot a green snake coming closer and closer. You go to your mailbox and there’s an IRS audit letter. These examples would strike fear in anybody, but the circumstances aren’t life and death.
Life and death situations create a visceral reaction that reveals our real self.
The Hebrews had just witnessed ten devastating plagues sent by God to scare the Egyptians to release them from slavery. The Hebrews had just witnessed the Lord guiding them out of Egypt towards the Promised land by a Pillar of Fire at night and a Pillar of Cloud by daylight. The Hebrews had just witnessed the Lord providing food and water for them on their journey. They had witnessed his personal protection. With all this personal attention from God, one would be confidently safe.
“The Egyptians—all Pharaoh’s horses and chariots, horsemen and troops—pursued the Israelites. As Pharaoh approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and called out to the Lord.” Exodus 14:9-10
After all the Lord does for us—when do we learn not to be afraid?
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
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