“FEAR NOT, NOR BE AFRAID” Christadelphian thoughts based on the daily readings for 20th June 2016
Today we read the first 2 chapters of Ruth; we can take this as a living parable of commitment to the way of the LORD after discouraging – even disastrous – events. We see in the account of Naomi and Ruth that the all-seeingeyes of the LORD had a purpose in view – a purpose that was ultimately to extend far beyond their lifetime.
In following and then serving the Lord (this is a process of progress) our Lord sees the end from the beginning – as with Naomi and Ruth. We notice how Naomi began to realize this after she had returned to her homeland. Have you realized this in your life? Look ahead to Wednesday’s reading of 46th ch. in Isaiah – how God is “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done …”
[v.10]
This is brought out, on a larger scale, in today’s ch. 44 in Isaiah. The prophet is told, “Thus says the LORD … the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.”
[v.6]
“Fear not, nor be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it?”
[v.8]
Declared what? The previous verse is a challenge to false gods , “Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.”
[v.7]
Only the true and real God can do that!
The world around us is increasingly fearful of “what will happen” and nearly all minds are focussed on living for this year – and at the most – next! In v.24 we read how God declares, “”I am the LORD, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself” How few believe this today! Remember what we read in ch. 42 v.5! Look out for what we will read in ch. 45 v.12.
In the next verse (25) we read how God “turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish” Today’s ‘false knowledge’ will soon be demonstrated as foolish.!
How inspiring to our thoughts this morning are the last 2 verses we read at the end of Jude’s short epistle! “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Saviour, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen”
With faith in these words firmly fixed in our hearts and minds, we will “Fear not, nor be afraid.”
By Bro D.Caudery
