Spurgeon Morning and Evening May 12 PM

Biblical Context

The book of Genesis, often linked with Moses as its author, lays out the early history of God’s people. This particular part focuses on Jacob, who God renamed Israel, and his family. Jacob, an old man, is facing a severe famine in Canaan. His son Joseph, whom he thought was dead, is now a powerful leader in Egypt. Joseph has sent word for his entire family to come live with him. Leaving the land of his ancestors is a massive step for Jacob, full of uncertainty. In Genesis 46, God speaks directly to Jacob at Beersheba, a place connected to Abraham and Isaac. God’s words here give Jacob the courage he needs to make this big move, showing His faithfulness to His earlier promises that Jacob’s descendants would become a great nation.

Key Word Study

The word “Fear” in God’s command “Fear not” comes from the Hebrew word yare (יָרֵא). This word carries a meaning of being afraid, dreading something, or even standing in awe. When God tells someone, “Fear not,” He’s telling them to let go of anxiety and dread. It’s an invitation to replace those natural human worries with a deep, respectful trust in His power and His promises. He’s not just commanding Jacob to stop feeling scared, but to remember who is guiding him, allowing that knowledge to move him past his worries about going into a strange land. It’s about recognizing God’s power and letting it calm your spirit.

Jacob’s Reluctance and God’s Clear Path

Jacob must’ve shuddered at the thought of leaving the land of his father’s sojourning, the very place Abraham and Isaac lived their lives. He was going to dwell among heathen strangers, people who didn’t share his faith or his God. It was a completely new scene for him, and it was likely to be a really trying one. Who among us wouldn’t feel anxiety venturing among couriers of a foreign monarch, especially into a land like Egypt known for its power and its different gods? Yet, the way was evidently appointed for him by God Himself, and because of that clear direction, he resolved to go. He knew God was in it, so he made the choice to step forward.

Believers Face New Challenges Today

This is frequently the position of believers now. You are called to perils and temptations altogether untried. Perhaps it’s a new job, a difficult move, a health challenge, or a relationship that pushes you out of your comfort zone. At such seasons, let them imitate Jacob’s example. What did Jacob do? He offered sacrifices of prayer unto God, seeking His direction. This means you too shouldn’t take a step until you’ve waited upon the Lord for His blessing. When you do that, you’ll have Jacob’s companion, the Lord Himself, to be your friend and helper. How blessed it is to feel assured that the Lord is with us in all our ways, and that He condescends to go down into our humiliations and banishments with us! He doesn’t just watch from afar; He enters into our tough spots.

Our Father’s Constant Love Beams

Even when you feel far, far away, perhaps beyond the ocean, our Father’s love beams like the sun in its strength. There’s no place too distant for His presence to reach you. We simply cannot hesitate to go where Jehovah promises His presence. Think about it: because He is there, even the valley of deathshade grows bright with the radiance of this assurance. His presence changes everything. It takes the darkest, most frightening places and fills them with His light and hope. You’re never truly alone in the dark.

Jacob’s Promise: Brought Up Again

Marching onwards with faith in their God, believers shall have Jacob’s promise. What was that promise? God said to Jacob, “Fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation: I will go down with thee into Egypt; and I will also surely bring thee up again.” This means you shall be brought up again, whether it be from the troubles of life or the chambers of death. This isn’t just a historical anecdote; it’s a living promise for you, showing God’s active involvement in your future.

Unscathed Through Life’s Tribulations and Death’s Terror

Jacob’s seed, his descendants, came out of Egypt in due time, just as God promised. And so shall all the faithful pass unscathed through the tribulation of life, and the terror of death. You’re not going through these things alone or without a way out. God has a plan to bring you through them. Let us exercise Jacob’s confidence. His faith wasn’t blind; it was based on God’s spoken word, His direct command and promise.

The Divine Command: “Fear Not”

“Fear not,” is the Lord’s command and His divine encouragement to those who at His bidding are launching upon new seas. He’s not just suggesting you shouldn’t worry; He’s commanding it, because He’s giving you the power to obey. The divine presence and preservation forbid so much as one unbelieving fear. If God is with you, guarding you, what is there truly to be afraid of? His love and power cover every possible concern.

Move Forward, Don’t Tarry

Without our God, we should fear to move. Every step would be uncertain, filled with potential dangers we can’t see or handle. But when He bids us to go, it would be dangerous to tarry. Staying put when God says “go” is to miss out on His blessing, His plan, and His power in your life. Reader, go forward, and fear not. He’s with you. He’s bringing you up again. Trust His word, and step out with courage.