Fear No Fear

“He who is often reproved, yet hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1, MEV). This is the story of the Israelites in the Old Covenant. Again and again they were warned, almost begged, to change their thinking, repent of their sin and iniquities, and turn back to following God and His Way. On the whole, they did not. As a result, the judgment came on them and they were destroyed as a nation. First Israel, and then over a hundred years later, Judah. God was merciful to them and saved a remnant of each of them who returned to the Land later. But the punishment they received – which was less than they deserved – was caused by their own choices and behaviour. It was a long time coming, from God’s point of view, but once it began it came upon them SUDDENLY. God doesn’t correct us because He enjoys it. He doesn’t talk to us in His stern tone of voice because it is His favourite. He would rather we simply obey. But He also refuses to let a punishment or a consequence of our choice come upon us without a LOT of warning. He gives us chances. SO MANY CHANCES. He is a MERCIFUL God who DOES NOT HIDE from us – not Himself and not the consequences of our actions (positive or negative). When He brings things to our attention, it is ALWAYS for our benefit – not for the chance to smite us. If we will listen to Him, we will find ourselves in positive circumstances (though possibly walking with Him through some consequences of what we’ve done). He is ALWAYS talking to us about what is best. Best for us. Best for those around us. Because He loves us and cares about what happens to us – big AND small. He’s a GOOD God!