Fear and Fear Not by A. J. BRISTOL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 19, 1908

Fear and Fear Not

By A. J. BRISTOL

A. J. BRISTOL

When we consider the many devices so well calculated to absorb the whole attention, and remember that our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” we are sometimes filled with foreboding lest we be taken in some of his snares, and finally fail of the kingdom. In our experience we may have passed the point where temptations to open and outbreaking sin have any weight with us, but so many things which in themselves are right, and need attention, seem to press themselves upon us for consideration, that we are fearful lest we be buried under the cares of this world.

But our God is good, and has given us many warnings of the particular dangers that we shall meet in these last days; especially is the experience of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the earthly inheritance held before us as an object-lesson of warning concerning the special obstacles to entering upon the eternal inheritance.

“To whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that were disobedient? And we see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief. Let us fear therefore, lest haply, a promise being left of entering into his rest, any one of you should seem to have come short of it. For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.” It seems that the chief fault lay in their not making the word of promise which they heard a part of themselves,—“it was not united by faith with them.” And we are admonished to give diligence so “that no man fall after the same example of disobedience.”

There really seems to be no excuse for falling, “for the Word of God [that which by faith is joined with us] is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

This last-mentioned prerogative is especially comforting to contemplate; for, while many temptations and snares may be laid in vain for our feet, “the heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt.” But having this word, which is so quick to discern our thoughts and motives, really united with us, and ever present to reveal any deceptions, we may hope to escape.

And what gives still greater confidence is the assurance that “we have not a high priest that can not be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” We are also told that “he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.”

So in the light of the provisions that have been made for us to overcome “the world, the flesh, and the devil,” it is not surprising that this chapter which begins with an admonition to fear lest we fail, closes with an equally strong assurance that we may “draw near with boldness unto the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace to help us in time of need.”

If we by faith have his word abiding in us, and see Jesus interceding for us, we may take to ourselves that comforting word, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

Takoma Park, D. C.