May 15, 2017

Good Morning,

Luke 2:8-10 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

People in the Bible who were confronted by God or his angels all had one consistent response; fear. To each of them, God’s response was always the same; don’t be afraid.

As soon as they sensed God accepted them and wanted to communicate with them, their fear subsided. Look at the following examples with the person and reference.

Abraham Genesis 15:1, After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”

Hagar Genesis 21:17, God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

Joshua Joshua 8:1, Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be not be discouraged.”

Jeremiah Lamentations 3:57, You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”

Zechariah Luke 1:13, But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John.”

Mary Luke 1:30, But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.”

John Revelation 1:17-18, When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

He gave them freedom to be His friends.

He has given us the same freedom.