Numbers 14:3. Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?
There’s a pattern that we see over and over in the Bible: people see the faithfulness of God and they hear the promises of God, but then they forget God’s faithfulness and they reject those promises, choosing instead to try to control their own lives. But why? Because of fear.
In Numbers 14, the Hebrew people have made it to the edge of the promised land. But the report from the spies who went into the land ahead of them is less than promising. There’s too many tall giants and too many tall walls. Fear grabs hold of the people’s hearts and everything that God has ever done or ever promised suddenly disappears from their minds.
What are you afraid of? Where do you fear losing control? What fears are keeping you up at night? Professional fears? Family fears? Relational fears? Ministry fears? Fear of change? Fear of uncertainty? Fear of the future?
The truth is that all of us are constantly living in fear. Even the underlying fear that God has brought us to the wrong place. This kind of fear is what keeps us from moving forward in faith. It makes us want to go back to Egypt where at least we know what to expect. In Egypt, there was some level of control. So we return to the same thought patterns and behavior patterns that offer comfort but are actually just a return to our former slavery. The slavery of trying to control our own lives.
Sadly, Christianity tends to promote this fear based living. In fact, for many Christians, fear is the primary way to relate to God. Obedience is not from faith and love but from fear that God will smite us if we don’t obey him. “Holiness” becomes just another way to avoid God. Rather than trusting God with every fear in our hearts, we cover up our uncertainty with good behavior. Maybe if we’re good enough God will move on to those Christians over there. Before long, like the Hebrews, we believe that God has not only stopped caring but is also actively opposing us.
The truth is God’s repeated message to us in the Bible is do NOT be afraid. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, the Hebrews, Joshua, Gideon, Esther, Mary, Joseph, the Shepherds, the disciples, you, me, we’ve all heard the same message – Fear not! Everything God has ever said and done is meant to dispel our fear of losing control and our fear that he is against us.
But how can we know that God is for us? That he is a good father? That he is in control even when our lives seem out of control? How do we know that he loves us, and that he will bring us into his forever home?
Our union with Christ.
In Christ we never have to fear that God will leave us to fend for ourselves against the giants. We never have to fret that we will have to knock down the Enemy’s walls by ourselves. Why not? Because on the cross Christ has already defeated every giant and knocked down every wall. We never have to ask, why is the Lord bringing us here? We never have to question like Jesus, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
To live is Christ means no more fear of losing control and no more fear of being forsaken. Jesus is God’s “perfect love that casts out all fear.” Look forward to him. Run to his open arms. Fix your eyes ahead on Christ, not backward on your personal Egypt.
You: What are you afraid of? Where do you feel like you’ve lost control? Do you ever feel like God has abandoned you?
You in Christ: How does knowing that you have perfect love in Christ remove these fears?
Christ in you: Where can you courageously move forward today in the love of Christ?
To Live is Christ 