Fear No Fear

(All scripture from the World English Bible, ebible.org, all rights reserved)

“Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.’ You shall tell them,
‘Yahweh bless you, and keep you.
Yahweh make his face to shine on you,
    and be gracious to you.
Yahweh lift up his face toward you,
    and give you peace.’
“So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them.””
(Numbers 6:22-27)

“For you, God, have heard my vows.
    You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.
You will prolong the king’s life.
    His years will be for generations.
He shall be enthroned in God’s presence forever.
    Appoint your loving kindness and truth, that they may preserve him.
So I will sing praise to your name forever,
    that I may fulfill my vows daily.“
(Psalm 61:5-8)

Everyone in the nation was to have the name of the Lord placed on them. It was THE blessing. It was what made them who they were: children of God. By leaning into that, they became a witness to the nations around them. By modelling what God had told them to model, the other nations of the world could get to know God and His moral character. They would be the blessing that would bless others. The example we could all strive for. The Light in the darkness.

Nothing has changed. Being a follower of Jesus – Jew or Gentile – is to be in the Body of Christ. It is to model the Kingdom. To be the example of God’s moral character that everyone can see. We have that heritage as our inheritance. That command to bless as we are blessed. The privilege of showing all that Jesus has done for us and what is available to anyone who will come to Him. The knowledge that this isn’t temporary, but for forever. That His victory doesn’t end. His blessing doesn’t stop pouring. His love is eternal and we will be forever praising His name for the good works He has done.

Summary

God is our protection because evil cannot survive in His presence. When we abide in Him, when we rest in Him, we are protected from everything coming against us. We’re safe in His boat, not tossed by the waves. We have His perspective on trouble, above it and not beneath it. We cannot drown or get list as we navigate the floods, the fires, and the hurricanes. We are hand in hand with Him and safe from the pricks and slashes of the storm. The wind may be blowing something fierce, but we won’t be burnt. We’re safe when we’re in our proper place: resting in Jesus.