“FEAR OR HOPE?”

 

The inseparability of hope and faith is clear from Heb. 11:1, “faith is assurance of things hoped for”. As our faith goes, so goes our hope. A steadfast faith ensures a steadfast hope. Faith is nurtured by God’s words.

Moses had to overcome his own weaknesses and fears that the children of Israel would believe or hearken to his words (Exod. 4:1, 10). God told him to speak HIS words to both them and Pharaoh. Whether or not God’s words were believed, God’s words would be fulfilled. Lack of belief by Pharaoh did not invalidate God’s words, to “Let My people go”. They would be freed. That was God’s will, and those words were to be proclaimed.

The gods of Egypt were powerless to prevent this. The miracles confirmed the words of God that the Israelites were ‘chosen’ by God in fulfillment of His oath to Abraham (Gen. 12:2-3). Little by little a distinction was made between the Israelites and the Egyptians as the plagues continued (Exod. 8:23).

God’s words always prove true (Pro. 18:30). As Isaiah would later declare, “For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 55:10-11). Those who ‘held fast’ to God’s words were blessed as God had promised Abraham. Fear or hope…which will it be with you? (Heb. 3:14).