Where Fear and Love Collide
Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land. Exodus 1:10, (ESV)
As humans, we are prone to have fears. Some reasonable and some made up in our subconscious yet creative minds. What happens when we are asked to do something that goes against everything we believe? How do we handle ourselves? Are we fearful of what might happen if we say ‘no,’ or are we so deeply anchored in our loving relationship with God that we simply do the next right thing?
ME: I’m really enjoying our study of Moses in Sunday school. But Jesus, I have some questions.
JESUS: I can feel your excitement. Ask.
ME: The pharaohs were driven by fear that the Jewish people would become so great in number that they gave some insane commands. Why did You allow that to happen?
JESUS: My dear child, everyone must decide whether to follow Me or not. Without knowing Me and the love I offer; the mind is a playground for the enemy. Fear is the foundation.
ME: I love the example that You gave us with the midwives, Shiphrah and Puah. They were told to kill all the newborn baby boys. Because they loved God, they disobeyed direct orders and God rewarded them. But weren’t they still afraid?
JESUS: Yes, but there are always great blessings for those who stand in faith. You must know that sometimes it is painful to hold your ground, but My Father sees this and is pleased.
ME: I really like the part where the pharaoh’s daughter finds baby Moses and decides to keep him. She knew he was a Hebrew baby and yet, she took the chance and convinced her father to save him.
JESUS: Again, you have identified another event where fear and love collide. What else have you learned about the collision of these two?
ME: It seems that love always wins! Did I get it right?
JESUS: Throughout history, mankind has been driven by fear which has resulted in many deaths and unspeakable acts. Without My love, fear rules supreme.
ME: Jesus, …is this the case today? Are we, as a nation, living in fear or is love running the show?
JESUS: What do you think?
ME: I don’t know how to answer You.
JESUS: Good response. Just look around and observe. Remember to live in love and you will become obedient.