Matthew 1:18-25 & Luke 1:26-30, Fear Not

I was afraid. This is what sin does. [Genesis 3:8-10: And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself]. Understand fear and know how to deal with it.

Everybody fears something. Three times God sent a messenger--a message of peace. Fear is not sin. Shrinking back is sin. We can trust God and move ahead being obedient. We fear the unexpected.

Mary was told she was going to be with child. Mary was troubled. [Luke 1:29-30: And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God]. We like things planned out. Then angel brought Mary good news, vv. 30-35.

The fear of loss: Joseph’s life was turned upside down. [Matthew 1:18-19: Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily]. Their fear led to their salvation.

God chose Joseph. Joseph was handpicked by God to be the earthly father of Jesus. God sent an angel. The angel told Joseph not to fear. [Matthew 1:20: But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost].

Joseph was obedient to what God told him. [Matthew 1:24: Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife]. Joseph did not lose Mary. He gained a lot more. Sometimes assignments for us are costly but always with a payback. [Romans 8:28: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 5:3-5: And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Second Corinthians 4:15-16: For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day]. Determine in our hearts to seek God first and do His will.

The shepherds were greatly afraid--shaken. [Luke 2:8-9: And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid].

The glory of the Lord shone around about the shepherds, and the angel said, “Fear not.” [Luke 2:10: And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people].

The shepherds made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. [Luke 2:15-18: And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds].

Proverbs 9:10: The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.

Isaiah 41:10: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.