Compare Jeremiah 42:15 with Exodus 14:13. How do both passages address fear? Setting the Scene - God’s people faced two crossroads centuries apart. • The remnant under Jeremiah wrestled with whether to flee to Egypt after Jerusalem’s fall. • The Hebrews with Moses stood trapped between Pharaoh’s army and the Red Sea. - Both moments exposed a common enemy—fear—yet God’s response in each setting differs in emphasis and outcome. Jeremiah 42:15 – Fear-Fueled Flight “ So now, hear the word of the LORD, O remnant of Judah: This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you are determined to go to Egypt and reside there…’ ” - The people’s dread of Babylon (vv.11–12) tempts them toward self-chosen security: Egypt. - God warns that the “sword you fear” will meet them in the very place they think is safe (v.16). - Key idea: acting on fear rather than faith produces the outcome fear predicted—judgment instead of protection. Exodus 14:13 – Fear Confronted by Faith “But Moses told the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the LORD’s salvation, which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again.’ ” - Israel faces real danger, yet God calls for courageous stillness, not frantic escape. - Deliverance is entirely the Lord’s doing (vv.14, 21-31). - Key idea: relinquishing fear opens space to witness God’s saving power. Shared Lessons on Fear - Fear arises at crisis points but can move us down two opposite tracks: • Jeremiah 42 – Fear + self-direction = disobedience → disaster. • Exodus 14 – Fear + surrender to God’s word = faith → deliverance. - Both texts affirm that God sees the threat we see (Psalm 34:4); He alone decides whether we escape it or face it. - Trust is the dividing line: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You” (Psalm 56:3). A Personal Takeaway 1. Examine motives: Am I choosing a path mainly to quiet my fears? 2. Compare every impulse with God’s revealed will (Proverbs 3:5-6). 3. Replace panic with steadfastness—“Stand firm”—to watch what God will do (2 Chronicles 20:17). 4. Remember: fleeing from faith never outruns fear; standing in faith lets God fight for us. Further Scripture Echoes - Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you…” - Matthew 14:27 – “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” - 1 Peter 5:6-7 – Cast every anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. |
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