Passage Read: Isaiah 51-54
Meditation Verses: 51:12-13
Thought
When God asks this question--to those who seek righteousness--He's not talking about typical bad people, whom we're already inclined to fear, but He's talking about oppressors who are bent on our destruction! Who are we who seek righteousness that we fear the wrath of man more than the glorious might of the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth? No matter how wicked and cruel men around us can and will be, we should never fear them. And if we should never fear those who are bent on our destruction, how much less should we ever fear those who merely mock us and scorn us and laugh at our message and our godly lives? One who is bent on killing us should not cause us to fear--because we know and trust the Lord! How much less should we fear someone who just doesn't care to listen to our message of repentance and salvation?
Application
I shouldn't fear anyone, any unbeliever, any evil person. They may kill me, but I should have no fear of death. They may torment me, but I should have no fear of suffering. Death will pass me into the fullness of eternal life. Suffering will gain me glory in God's presence. If I believe in the Lord and believe that He is the mighty God He claims to be, then no man should make me afraid. I should have such confidence to live the righteousness God calls me to and proclaim Christ as Lord and only hope of salvation as far and as wide as possible. There will be many who oppose me, but who am I to fear them? Do I not recognize the Lord and how much greater He is than the mightiest of men who set themselves against God's people? If I fear men, I insult the Lord and reveal my lack of understanding and lack of faith. I need to see clearly and believe who the Lord really is. Then I'll have the confidence to serve Him as He deserves, as men need me to.