Message from Scripture: 8/12/2020

Today, our message from Scripture comes from Deut. 31:6: “"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you."

God, through His prophet Isaiah, speaks of those who had set themselves against Israel, who would try to destroy them. He reminds them God is on their side, that He would deliver their enemies into their hands, and they as God’s people would do to them as God has commanded. Having these promises of God, He exhorts them not to be afraid, nor to tremble because they are frightened by their threats. In contrast, they were to be strong and courageous, imperatives in the Hebrew, meaning to be convicted in their ability to overpower, to conquer, to be victorious. This is true because of who was with them. God would go with them, and there are two qualities that should comfort them as they face the unknown battles ahead. First, God wouldn’t fail them, meaning become weak and feeble, thus to fail. Also, God wouldn’t forsake them, meaning He would not leave them and not be around to help, He would not separate Himself from them. Knowing the one true God was in their corner, to help fight their battles, was a great incentive to do their best.

God is still the same when it comes to the help He affords us as His people, those in His kingdom, the church, today. The Hebrew writer offers us this encouragement to be strong and courageous in our faith, not to be afraid or tremble at what Satan and the world may throw against us. “He has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.' So we can confidently say, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?'” (Heb. 13:5-6). Rather than fear or faint at what we must face to live the Christian life, our trust should be in the Lord, in the strength He provides. Have confidence in the promises of God as you go through your day today; He will do what He has said for you. Have a great day today. God bless.

Robert