A Challenge to Courage Be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled-- 1 Peter 3:12-15; comp. Isaiah 8:12. This seems to be a reference to Israel at Kadesh; comp. Numbers 13:25-33; Numbers 14:1-9. The language is appropriate to this, and to no other experience of Israel in the desert. “Fear ye not their fear, neither be thrown into consternation; but sanctify the Lord God always in your hearts.” When the spies returned, all bore essentially the same witness to the beauty and fertility of the land--as one flowing with milk and honey--and as to the giant sons of Anak; the point of unfaithfulness was the fear and despair of the ten, as contrasted with the confidence and courage of the two--Joshua and Caleb. These two did not depreciate the danger, but they appreciated the Deliverer. They saw that the face of the Lord is against them that do evil, and that we have only to sanctify Him in our hearts, and let Him be our fear and dread, and we shall fear no others. Their defense is departed from them, but the Lord is our refuge and strength, and if we go against them in His name they will be as bread for us, instead of devouring us. Joshua 14:1-15 contains a most instructive passage as to the final result of such fidelity to God and trust in Him as Caleb showed. Even at an advanced age, when natural strength fails, he was more than able to cope with the foe, however gigantic; and it is significant that the very stronghold of the giants became his own possession, inheritance and abode. The lessons are plain and most forcibly taught.
Filial fear of God drives out servile fear of man.
Harm cannot come to the holy. Piety is safety.
We are not to look at the human foe, but at the Divine Friend.
Even hindrances become helps to him who is on God’s side.
The grand necessity: Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts.
