“Do Not Fear…Do Not Be Afraid!”

“Do Not Fear…Do Not Be Afraid!”(Is.41:8-14).
“But you, O Israel, my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, you descendants of Abraham my friend, I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ‘All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid, you worm…do not fear, for I myself will help you,’ declares the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One…”
Back in my teaching days at the Seminary, some students were often surprised at some of my somewhat liberal theological pronouncements. Then I’ll joke with them and say, “Right now, God is gleefully saying, “Nibabs at it again! Tell them my guy!'”
There is an intimate bond that binds in filial relationships – parents become friends and playmates to their children, and vice versa. When we have such an intimate relationship with God, he calls us friends.
In today’s text, God is concerned about the fate of Israel because he is the descendant of his friend Abraham.
There are friends whose friendship is skin-deep. These are friends who come around only when the weather is bright – fair weather friends!
A true friend is the one who stands by you in all weathers, no matter the storms, monsoons, and whirlwind that threaten.
A good friend stands by you in the worst of times or risks his own life to rescue you from danger.
Such is the kind of friendship that God builds with those he calls “friend.” Because Abraham was God’s friend, God showed so much love and concern for Abraham’s descendants.
Cultivate the friendship of God by doing what pleases him. When he becomes your friend, he will be concerned about your welfare and that of your descendants.
He assures us: “I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand…Do not fear; I will help you. Do not be afraid… do not fear, for I myself will help you!”
Weekend prayer: For the blessed assurance, we thank you, Father Almighty. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
06/06/2025.