What other biblical examples show God providing reassurance to His chosen leaders? God’s Personal Words of Courage in Genesis • Genesis 15:1 – To a childless Abram facing uncertainty: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield; your reward will be very great.” • Genesis 26:24 – To Isaac, hemmed in by quarrelsome neighbors: “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you.” • Genesis 28:15 – To Jacob, alone on a journey: “Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.” From Slaves to a Nation: Reassurance in Exodus and Joshua • Exodus 3:12; 4:12 – God answers Moses’ trembling at the burning bush: “I will surely be with you… Now go! I will help you speak.” • Numbers 14:9 – Caleb and Joshua, emboldened: “Do not fear the people of the land… the LORD is with us.” • Joshua 1:5-9 – At the Jordan’s edge God repeats three times, “Be strong and courageous… the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Strength for Weary Prophets and Kings • 1 Kings 19:11-13 – God’s gentle whisper revives Elijah after his flight from Jezebel. • 2 Kings 6:16-17 – Elisha calms his servant: “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them,” and the hills blaze with angelic horses. • Jeremiah 1:7-8 – A youthful Jeremiah hears, “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you.” • Haggai 2:4-5 – Zerubbabel and Joshua rebuilding a ruined temple: “Be strong… My Spirit remains among you; do not fear.” • Psalm 23 – David testifies, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Assurance Carried into the New Covenant • Luke 1:30 – Gabriel to Mary: “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” • Matthew 1:20 – An angel to Joseph: “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” • Acts 18:9-10 – The risen Christ to Paul in Corinth: “Do not be afraid, but speak… for I am with you.” • Revelation 1:17-18 – The glorified Jesus to John: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, the Living One.” Patterns to Notice • Divine presence promised (“I am with you”) • Specific fears named and answered • Visible or audible signs when needed (burning bush, angelic armies, prophetic visions) • A call to step out in obedience immediately following reassurance The same gracious Voice that strengthened Gideon in Judges 7:10-15 consistently steadies every servant He chooses, from Eden’s exile to Patmos’ exile, and He has never once failed to keep His word. |
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