In
Batyah's Blog,
Blog | on
July, 12, 2013 | by
Ministry Team
Shalom chaverim veh mishpachah! Can ya believe it?!?!?! We’re already in D’varim/Deuteronomy . . . my how time has flown by!!!
One of the interesting lessons I found in D’varim 3:22. “Don’t be afraid of them, because Yehovah your God will fight on your behalf.” (D’varim / Deuteronomy 3:22). This commandment, “do not fear” is a command we find repeated throughout Torah and all the Scriptures. In fact, there are over 130 times in Scripture where it says “Do not be afraid,” or “Fear not!” The words “Do not be afraid,” occur five times in this parashah alone.
Fear cost the first generation their opportunity to enter the Promised Land. By reviewing how The Holy One had delivered the people in the past, Moshe is trying to give the new generation confidence. In addition, Moshe hopes to bolster their faith so they won’t be crippled by fear, as were their ancestors. We are to live by faithful confidence in the strong hand of our Creator. We haven’t been given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind, as Rav Sha’ul/Paul tells us in 2nd Timothy 1:7. Remember fear is defined as lack of faith. Fear is the opposite of genuine faith. Fear comes from a place of faith-lessness. When we have real confidence in our Heavenly Father fear is driven out.
No matter what trials and/or temptations may come our way, we MUST be CHAZAK, CHAZAK (Be Strong; Be Strong) in our faith in The Almighty for He will fight on our behalf!!!
Shabbat shalom veh shavuah tov, Batyah
