Honest Fear

As I read the account of Jacob with his brother Esau and father-in-law Laban, I couldn't help but think that Jacob had reason to fear (Genesis 32:6-9) as so often we do ourselves. Here he was returning back to his country where his brother lived. Last time he saw his brother, Esau was ready to 'whack' him for ripping off his birthright and blessing from Isaac. Then the tables turned as Laban was deceptive with his daughters (Leah and Rachel) in giving them in marriage to Jacob. Jacob then finds himself in that precarious situation of having to face the music back home.

There are at least two types of fear, I think, I hope: Irrational Fear and Rational Fear. Jacob's fear was quite rational. Too often our fears are irrational when it comes to our relationship with God and His provision for our life (Matthew 6:29-33, chapter 10). Fear is real but it doesn't have to captivate our thoughts and dominate our choices. As Jesus said (Matthew 10:26) 'So do not be afraid of them... do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy soul and body in hell..."

There are things we will pay for in our life time and those things hurt no doubt. But we should fear God over all. A healthy respect and fearful trust is what He desires. This type of fear leads to repentance, faith and freedom...

In Christ