Genesis 1:31a God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
This includes Adam and Eve as the first husband and wife. Their relationship was perfect. No strife, secrets, complete harmony with one another and God. Genesis 3:6a When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food. . . She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it. Vss. 7a, 8, 10 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked. . . Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God. . . . “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid.
One of the first emotions they experienced after disobeying God was fear; fear of God and being completely open to each other physically and emotionally. Notice what it did to their relationship with God and each other. It put a wedge between them and brought disunity, and division. Adam blamed God and Eve, and Eve blamed the serpent. Fear has a way of dividing people, it creates distrust, suspicions, your guard is up and you’re more likely to believe untrue information about another.
We have a problem with fear and division in our country. It is being used by organizations to divide and control. This way, if citizens are afraid of one another’s life style, outlook on life or beliefs they can be exploited in order to marginalize certain people or groups and blame someone else for that, thus furthering their agenda.
Often times God, prophets and Apostle’s tell us not to fear. Why? Life can be scary at times, but who holds it all together? Isaiah 51:7-8 “Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have taken my instruction to heart: Do not fear the reproach of mere mortals or be terrified by their insults. For the moth will eat them up like a garment; the worm will devour them like wool. But my righteousness will last forever, my salvation through all generations.” Words have a way of cutting to the core, and dismantling one’s sense of worth. Isaiah says to all God-fearing people not to fear when insulted or threatened by ‘mortals’ or the reproach of men’, that is, blame, discredit and disapproval. Isaiah uses the word mortal to convey the idea of frail and transitory human nature. Why fear people? They have no power, but what God allows. Also, Jesus said; Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Mt. 10:28 That doesn’t mean there won’t be scary situations that may even threaten life. We must not live in fear of others or allow it to divide and conquer our faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Isaiah 41:10 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. (Psalm 27:1-3)
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Sunday 13, 9:00 Morning worship. Sermon: Blessed is the Man Psalm 1
