Recapturing Holy Fear: Eliminates all other fears
Notes
Transcript
Imagine being the #1 prime target of a whole army. The leader of a hostile and powerful nation has identified you, by name, as an impediment to his plans, and so has commanded his army to seek and capture you.
Would you be frightened? Would you be convinced that this is the end? Would you desperately try to run and save yourself?
This is the situation for the prophet Elisha as told in the book 2 Kings, chapter 6. The king of Syria was warring against the king of Israel. He was sending his troops into Israel and having them establish themselves in key strategic locations. Using the element of surprise, they would quietly move into an area and set up an ambush - a trap for the army of Israel. However, each time they did so - it seemed that the king of Israel already knew their plans. The ambush would be set - but no one would show up. This happened several times much to the frustration of the King of Syria. He called his advisors together and asked - “which of you is a traitor - who is leaking my plans to the king of Israel?”
One of the king’s servants spoke up and said “it is not us - it is Elisha, the prophet of Israel, he is the one that tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in secret.” 2 Ki 6:12).
Israel had a secret weapon - more powerful than all the intelligence agencies in the world. The prophet Elisha would hear from the One who sees and knows all things and speak what he heard to the king of Israel.
Hearing this, the king of Syria sends out his command - 2 Kings 6:13-14
And he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and seize him.” It was told him, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” So he sent there horses and chariots and a great army, and they came by night and surrounded the city.
One of Elisha’s helpers got up early in the morning and went outside and to his surprise saw the enemy’s army surrounding the city. I imagine that the sight of it sucked the wind right out of his lungs. He came back inside, told Elisha the situation, and asked “what are we to do?” Elisha responded…
He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”
I can picture this servant looking around the room, doing a quick head count, “well there is me and there is you - so that’s two. Not sure what kind of math you we are using here.”
But Elisha walked him outside and we are told in 2 Kings 6:17
Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Elisha feared the Lord, therefore, he had no need to fear man. He was under the protection of the Most High.
It is an incredible account. I don’t expect any of us will ever find ourselves in that particular situation - but these stories of old are not recorded for our entertainment. They communicate essential truths and promises for God’s people. The fear of the Lord eliminates all other fears.
Elijah could go back inside, sit down and finish his morning cup of coffee in peace because He knew God protects his own.
John Bevere states: “Holy fear eliminates all other fears and anxieties, for it is backed by God’s promises of being kept safe.”
We listened to this promise of protection in our psalm reading this morning.
Psalm 31:19–20 (CEB)
How great is the goodness that you’ve reserved for those who fear you, that you commit to those who take refuge in you— in the sight of everyone! You hide them in the shelter of your wings, safe from human scheming. You conceal them in a shelter, safe from accusing tongues.
In the course of our ministry for the Lord, both Krista and I have had to endure times of lies and slander - accusations and threats - of people responding out of anger and opposition to what God has lead us to do or say. Thankfully, it is not all the time - but when you follow God’s truth and will, you are bound to come up against opposition. We follow a Jesus who faced all kinds of trouble in this world. And what does he expect of his disciples? Take up your cross and follow me.
And as unpleasant as it is to face such responses from other people, I have found time and again the truth of his promises. God does protect. He does give His peace, a peace that goes beyond understanding as the scriptures say. He provides the assurance of His presence. And in doing so, we find the strength to persevere and move forward.
I’ve gotten to know many of your life stories as well. Of the trials that some of you have faced. Whether it was dealing with difficult family members, or work situations, or battling a disease like cancer, or being the target of slander and gossip, or fighting depression. So often, I have listened as you have shared how God has given you the strength to endure, peace in your mind, and joy in your heart. Some of you have experienced great deliverance out of bad situations.
John Bevere, again I am referencing his book The Awe of God, writes:
The only time God permits someone who fears Him to go through suffering is if it’s granted from above for God’s glory. However, even in these situations there is confidence from holy fear that eliminates human fear.”
He goes on to share the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - three young Hebrew boys who found themselves on the opposing side of the the most powerful man in the world at the time, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. The King had constructed a huge statue of himself made of gold, erected it, and by decree, forced every citizen to bow before the image and worship it. The Hebrew boys knew the first Commandment “You shall have no other gods before Me” and would not bow. They were brought before the angry King and told to either bow and worship the statue or be thrown into a furnace blazing fire.
Listen to their response:
If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
But if not. But if our death is used to bring Him glory - then so be it. For He is greater than this world and His promises last for eternity.
When you fear the Lord, fear of death has no hold on you. Jesus defeated death - and the one who believes now stands with Jesus in complete victory.
This is the attitude of the Apostle Paul in Phil 1:20-21
as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Do you see how the fear of the Lord eliminates all other fears?
As a nation, we have just moved through a very contentious political season. I’m not even suggesting it is over yet - even though I’m glad the election is over. The presidential campaign highlighted our division. On both sides, there were those saying that our democracy was under attack, that the other candidate would bring about the end of our country. The mainstream media once again misinformed, at times blatantly lied, and fueled the fears of the people. It is difficult to know what is truth and what is conspiracy. As a result, there are many Americans who now view their fellow countrymen and women as their enemy.
I watched some disturbing video clips of individuals who are so upset that their family members voted differently then they did that they will no longer speak to them. They are visibly grieving the loss of family relationship out of fear.
While I am hopeful for our future, the challenges we face as a country are enormous. We are living in a dangerous world right now.
Jesus warned what was to come in Luke 21:26
people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
When people put their hope in a person, or a government, or an institution, or in themselves - it will not last. It may work for them for a time, but eventually, they will be left with unrest, burdened hearts, tormented minds. Our hope does not reside on earth.
True hope if found in Christ alone. When He is King of your life, then all fear vanishes away.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
Have you experienced the perfect love of Christ? It is the fear of God that drives us to Jesus, and it is his love that will drive all other fears out of your life.
When we experience that love - we know that our future in God’s hand. And God protects those who fear Him.
What our country needs right now is to recapture a healthy fear of the Lord. To humble ourselves and bow in awe of His majesty. To draw close to Him and live under His protection.
In the words of Isaiah:
The Lord spoke to me, taking hold of me and warning me not to walk in the way of this people: Don’t call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy. Don’t fear what they fear, and don’t be terrified. It is the Lord of heavenly forces whom you should hold sacred, whom you should fear, and whom you should hold in awe.
Amen.
