Isaiah 41:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Fear Not, for I Am with You

“Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.”

Let us begin with the understanding that we are in covenant relationship with the Lord in order to approach and speak with Him. Let us also acknowledge that we are alone in our approach. It is personal and intimate. Speak what is on our minds. This drawing together is calling for agreement.

What is the first thing to be judged?

Proverbs 12:5a English Standard Version (ESV) The thoughts of the righteous are just;

Job 35:2 English Standard Version (ESV) “Do you think this to be just? Do you say, ‘It is my right before God,’

If the thoughts of our minds are just, God agrees. If not, truth is revealed and then we have to reconcile our thoughts to agree with God. How can we carry righteous judgment into this world if we cannot agree with God about our own thoughts? We have to submit ourselves to correction before we can speak truth to a lost and dying world that needs to hear the truth.

Acts 14:3 English Standard Version (ESV) So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

Manifestations of grace are only extended in truth. This can only be accomplished if we are in agreement with God. Right thinking leads to right judgment which leads to right action.

1 Corinthians 1:20 English Standard Version (ESV) Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

Proverbs 1:7 English Standard Version (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 English Standard Version (ESV) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

I have been pondering the order in fear of the Lord. The more common verse in fear of the Lord is quoted from Proverbs 9:10 yet it appeared in Proverbs 1:7 first. Since God is a God of order, the order in which fear is addressed should matter.

I have to look at the second part of each proverb in order to makes sense of the different views towards fear of the Lord. 1:7 addresses fools where 9:10 indicates relationship with the Holy One. This is in the same way we would address having knowledge of our father, having lived with him.

A fool would be the individual who has a rebellious nature and will not listen to reason nor instruction. There is no sense of fear because they refuse to acknowledge any authority as having a right to influence their life. They only fear what they see in the world as a threat to their desires. They think they are the masters of their own destiny.

Remove rebellion and you will see a life that understands authority and purpose. They will listen to wisdom and follow instructions. They will accept that higher powers above than which the world offers. They will seek to understand with a fearful reluctance, not being sure of what is ahead for them.

Isaiah 41:1 English Standard Version (ESV)

Fear Not, for I Am with You

“Listen to me in silence, O coastlands; let the peoples renew their strength; let them approach, then let them speak; let us together draw near for judgment.”

Relationship changes fear from the realm of the unknown to reverence for the power and might of the God that is known.