Judges 6:23-24 "Death Cannot Hold Me Down"

"But the Lord said to him, 'Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.' So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites." ~Judges 6:23-24 NIV

I'm not exactly sure what the Israelites thought would happen to them after they died. I guess I've never really thought about it before. As I look back at each of the patriarchs' deaths there seems to be a finality to death. The most important part of their death was where their bones were buried.

And then Jesus came and everything changed. He gave us hope of eternity with Him in a place He is preparing for us. Yet we still fret for our safety. Of course there is a natural and understandable human desire to live a long life with people you love around you. We find no joy in suffering or pain. Again I say, of course. But there is so much more to not fear.

How much time do we spend fretting about our loved ones and our own safety? Look at how much time and money is spent on crash reports, helmets, five-point harness car seats. Now hear me, those things are all fine and good. I certainly don't have a death wish for myself or my loved ones. But I think we have become so bubble conscious that it has just put a greater fear of death into our psyche. We, as believers, do not have to fear death because a greater life than we have ever known is waiting for us. This life is like going away to college. We are living in temporary housing in a far away place. It's restrictive and in miniature. It has its joys and sorrows, ups and downs. We work; we increase our knowledge of people and the world, but it's not our real home. That is still on the horizon. And we should have no fear of it.

In this passage, God is reassuring Gideon that he is not going to die in the conflict with the Midianites. So Gideon builds an altar and calls it The Lord is Peace. We've also been assured that we are not going to "die" in the battle. We will just move on from this life to an eternal home. In the meantime, we continue to lift up praise to the Father and rest in His peace.

Further Thoughts:

1. Are you afraid of death? Why?
2. How does your fear hinder you from accomplishing all that God has for you in this life?
3. Find a Scripture to hang on to when you have the most fear.

Father, I'm only passing through. Teach me how to be wise and safe, but not live in fear of death. I anticipate the end of the troubles of this world and look forward to eternity with You. In the meantime, use me up right here, Lord of Peace. Amen.

1 John 4:7-5:21 "The Recap"

Read 1 John 4:7-5:21.

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear." NIV

Yes, I am covering a long passage today, but most of the end of John's letter is a recap of all the beginning. Obey His commands and walk in the light; God loves us; we love God and one another. Jesus is God's Son, and His Spirit guides us in the Truth. If we love God and believe in Jesus Christ, we have confidence at the time of judgment. If we live in love with the Trinity, we have nothing to fear in the life to come. Our future is secure. We have hope.

With the uncertainties of today, so many people who were living for the moment or at least the gratifications of this life are floundering. They had placed such hopes in money, jobs, position, possessions and the permanency of it all. The philosophy reigned, "I work hard, I'll make more money. The more I make, the more I can invest in the money market or in land and possessions. The more I invest, the happier I will be in the here and now and secure for the future." That idea and false hope has fallen flat. Now, when you take these temporal pleasures away, what's left?

That's not to say that believers are not suffering with the economic crisis. We see people hurting every week from lost jobs and homes. But for those who believe, although disappointed, they can live in the hope of the Father's hand and a future not built on capital gains, but on a life walked in His light and an eternity in His presence. We will face troubles and discouragements here, but this is just a temporary home. We are made for so much more. 

Further Thoughts:

1. What do the Scriptures say about our security in our salvation? (Living without fear.)
   
2. Do you live in fear about judgement? If yes, why?
   
3. What does Jesus say about our responsibility in helping those who are in need?
   
4. So many people are hurting from the economy. What can you do this week to help relieve their pain?
   

Ephesians 1:9-10

"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment -- to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head even Christ." NIV

There is no secret. The mystery is revealed. People ask, what does the future hold. Of course, they are speaking of their own little world of job, money, health. Or maybe they are referring to the U.S. and its political future, or economy, or the health care or education systems. They could even be speaking of the future of the world and fall short of the meaning of this verse.

In the end, all the things we worry and wonder about will be meaningless. When the end of times comes and earth meets heaven, it will only Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. That is all that will matter. Will we continue to focus so much energy on the temporal and never place our eyes on the eternal? God, help us.

Further Thoughts:
1. What is it all going to boil down to? (Read Revelation 19-22 - It is the last "chapter" of this world. Pause at the end of Ch. 20 and pray for those you know who need to know Jesus.)
2. So where should my focus be? (Read Mark 12:28-31 [command] and Matthew 28:19-20 [commission].)
3. What is my particular calling to fulfill this command and commission using my unique personality and giftings?