Fear--Gen. 35

"Arise, go to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God" (Gen. 35:1).

Desolated Shechem echoed with the sound of emptiness. Two brothers in a camp below retained the stains of innocent blood upon their hands. And an aged father bowed his face to the ground in unimaginable sorrow and remorse.

What to do? Where to go? Jacob was certain that when the surrounding cities and peoples heard of the massacre at Shechem, a thousand armies would rise against him and his camp and he would be wiped out for the sins of his sons.

And in his distress, a loving voice called, filling the void of silence with a breath of Heaven's air.

"Arise, go to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God" (vs. 1).

To Bethel? Leave? Oh, the fears that must have oppressed Jacob's soul. How vulnerable his little band would be, traveling through wastelands to Bethel!

God had given three things for him to do: go to Bethel, live there, and make an altar.

And he obeyed. Even in the face of his fear. They packed up immediately and left for Bethel.

And arrived there without being attacked by anyone, save the spectre of death, which first claimed Rebekah's old nurse, Deborah, and then Rachel herself.

Jacob had presented his case before the Lord, filled with grief and fear like none others he had known.

And he had received counsel. Divine counsel. Good counsel.

"Those who decide to do nothing in any line that will displease God, will know, after presenting their case before Him, just what course to pursue. And they will receive not only wisdom, but strength" (DA, p. 668).

Fears arise in hearts on this old planet of ours. Fears that seem to choke the very spark of life and laughter out of us.

And there are times when we fall with our faces to the ground, crying out, "Lord, what are You doing? Why? When? What is going on? HELP!"

He has promised over and over that when we call, He will answer.

And if we have decided beforehand that we want to do nothing that will displease the Lord or depart from His will, after bringing out case to Him, we are promised that we will know just what course to pursue.

We need never be in doubt as to where to step next.

After all…

"How can I fear? Jesus is near. He ever watches over me. Worries all cease, He gives me peace: how can I fear with Jesus?"

How indeed?

Lord, take these fears in my heart. Take my life and let it be…. Show me my next step, and may I rejoice at Your leading….