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Be Not Afraid

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Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 30, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 50.

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“Be Not Afraid”

By E. H. Morton

WHEN an unpopular truth is brought to the attention of an honest soul, it may be that that soul will not obey at once, because of fear. He may be afraid, because of the weakness of human flesh,—afraid of what friends and relatives will say, afraid of losing prestige in society, and afraid of the scorn and ridicule of the world.
Present truth is never popular, and the fear of man in all ages has kept individuals from obeying it. God has recognized this tendency of humanity, and has sought to encourage the faint-hearted. He counseled the Israelites not to dread, nor be afraid of their enemies. He said to Joshua, “Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
He said to Paul by a vision, “Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace.” He asks us, “Who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass?”
We should be afraid to grieve God’s Holy Spirit. We should be afraid to do that which is evil. Sinners are afraid when the judgments of God fall upon wicked cities and upon individuals. But the righteous rest in peace if their affairs are all placed in the hands of Jesus; for He says, “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
David said, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” “Perfect love casteth out fear.” To fear not what man can do to us is the highest type of courage. “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.” It is blessed to have the heart thus established.
The armies of heaven stand ready to defend the righteous, and nothing can pluck them out of the hand of their Saviour.
“Be not afraid. Step boldly out Upon the word of God. A sure foundation there you’ll find, And courage in the Lord.”
E. H. Morton.