 |
Hallel FellowshipMessianic fellowship in Santa Rosa, California Author: Hallel Fellowship Language: en-us Genres: Christianity, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
Listen Now...
Faith over fear: Embrace the journey with God, and overcome fear’s paralyzing hold (Exodus 13–15; Romans 8)
Saturday, 22 November, 2025
7 takeaways from this study “Do not fear” is a recurring biblical instruction, encouraging believers to trust in God’s presence and guidance through all challenges. Trials and hardships serve as refining experiences that strengthen character, deepen faith, and prepare individuals for future deliverance. True courage is not the absence of fear but moving forward in faith despite fear — acting rather than being paralyzed. Maintaining a “fear of the Lord” means valuing the relationship with God and seeking to avoid anything that would harm that connection, rather than fearing punishment. Preparedness and vigilance — both spiritually and practically — are key to navigating adversity and supporting faith with disciplined action. Community support, mutual encouragement and accountability are vital for overcoming fear and standing strong together in faith. Resilience through God’s love ensures that no external trial or hardship can separate believers from His presence and purpose. One of the Bible’s most resonant instructions is, “Do not fear.” In Hebrew, it’s “אַל־תִּירָא” al-tira. This phrase and its variations thread through the stories of Israel, the teachings of the prophets, the words of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus), and on into the Apostolic Writings. This journey is more than academic. It’s personal and communal, rooted in the movements of our people and echoed in our own individual walks. The exhortation to trust Adonai (the LORD) despite what surrounds us is as timely today as it was in the days when Israel’s back was to the sea. Let’s walk through these scriptures, lessons, and our lived experience, finding inspiration to live al-tira — without fear — anchored in faith, hope and love. Standing firm when boxed in: Lessons from the Torah This study focuses on Exodus 13–15, as Israel was hemmed in at the edge of the sea. It’s an archetype for the moments when we too are boxed in by circumstances. “But Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD (יְשׁוּעַת יְהוָה Yeshuat Adonai) which He will accomplish for you today…’” Exodus 14:13 NASB95 Notice that Israel wasn’t told to whip up courage by their own strength, but instead to “stand” — to trust in Adonai’s deliverance יְשׁוּעַ Yeshua (“salvation”). In fact, throughout the wilderness, from the Red Sea to Sinai and onward, the phrase al-tira is repeated. If you count each variation — including the times Adonai (YHWH, the LORD) commissioned יְהוֹשֻׁעַ Yehoshua (Joshua, “Yah is salvation”) — it appears at least 14–15 times. Each time, it addresses a real threat and a real fear, but points the response straight at faith. “Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 1:21 NASB95 This is more than literary repetition. It’s a compassionate, fatherly reassurance that speaks not only to our heads, but to our hearts and our whole life. The Festival of Sukkot: Hope and dwelling with God Just over a month ago we celebrated סֻכּוֹת Sukkot (Festival of Tabernacles), the festival remembering God’s dwelling (שָׁכַן shakan, “to dwell”) with us. Sukkot is about hope — about God’s ultimate desire to restore what was lost in the Garden of Eden, to reconnect Heaven and Earth. This “tabernacling” — God pitching His tent among mankind (John 1:14) —reminds us that His presence is the antidote to fear. Even today as we recall these truths, we can find freedom in knowing that the goal isn’t merely to escape danger, but to dwell with the Creator, to be led as Israel was by the pillar: “a pillar of leading both in front of and as a barrier behind.” God’s presence shields and guides. Refining through trials: Hardship, maturity, glory One of my biggest takeaways is that fear isn’t merely something to banish; trials are a refining process. We read in Exodus 15:2: “The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.” Each hardship, each moment when resources run out and we come to the end of ourselves, is an invitation to honor and glorify God. These moments press us into deeper reliance on Him. Trials refine us. They build us. They help us to mature. This refining isn’t easy — but it brings us to “stand by and see Yeshuat Adonai” — “the salvation of the LORD.” Just as in ancient times, we’re invited to see that our salvation is not our own doing. Hebrew wordplay: Fear, seeing, ‘fear of the LORD’ In our study, we uncovered a fascinating play on Hebrew words. The verbs “to fear” (יָרֵא yareʼ) and “to see” (רָאָה raʼah) share similar letters. The same three letters (י-ר-א) show up in both concepts — notably, with the verb inflection יַרְא yare, “he saw” — suggesting that seeing the LORD, being aware of His presence, is fundamental to having the right kind of fear, of reverence. Many prophets warned that rebellious people in Israel claimed Adonai doesn’t see what they were doing, yet indeed the LORD does see. A healthy “fear of the LORD” (יִרְאַת יְהוָה Yirat Adonai) is not about being frightened, but about living in the awareness that God sees, knows — and cares. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 It’s a relational fear — a deep respect for not wanting to break connection with God, more than dreading His judgment. Salvation, Yom Kippur & the limits of human offerings Almost two months ago when we celebrated יוֹם כִּפּוּר Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, it was clear: even all the sacrifices and acts at the מִשְׁכָּן Mishkan (“dwelling place,” i.e., the Tabernacle”) cannot cover every transgression. The ultimate lesson is clear — salvation (יְשׁוּעָה yeshuah) is only from the LORD, and His Yeshua. On Yom Kippur, we recognize that none of our own efforts can truly bridge the gap. It is only by God’s grace and initiative. From Sinai to the Promised Land: Remembering Who fights for us As Israel moved through the wilderness, again and again comes this refrain: “Do not fear.” Whether it was crossing the Red Sea, standing before the walls of Jericho, or facing kings like Og and Sihon, and the inhabitants of Canaan, the challenge was the same: Will we trust ourselves, or the God who fights for us? “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 NASB95 The lesson? Deliverance is from God, and He alone brings the victory when we are at our limits. Courage in the face of suffering: From Torah to Apostolic Writings Our discussion brought us forward into the Apostolic Writings (בְּרִית חֲדָשָׁה Brit Chadasha), aligning with themes of endurance through suffering and the power of Messiah’s resurrection. Messiah Yeshua (Jesus) echoes the same instruction: “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 NASB95 Apostle Sha’ul (Paul) reminded his disciple Timothy: For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (δειλίας deilias, “cowardice”), but of power and love and discipline. 2Timothy 1:7 NASB95 Through these passages, we see that God’s spirit cultivates strength, love and self-control — not paralyzing fear. Martyrdom, witness, endurance Martyrs, empowered by God, have stood firm in the face of persecution. The Greek word μαρτυρία martyria means “witness.” Martyrdom, in this sense, is the ultimate testimony of faith that light shines brightest in the darkness. Even when external freedoms are stripped away, true victory is choosing faithfulness over fear — just as the apostles did, preaching the Good News despite threats. The fear of the LORD as relationship, not terror The kind of fear God desires is a relational awe, not servile terror. Think of it like a marriage or a close friendship. A healthy relationship is not built on dread of punishment, but a healthy concern not to damage the bond. It is really healthy to fear that the relationship and connection will be broken because of actions we take. This aligns with a deep dive into true love by the apostle Yokhanan (John): There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 1John 4:18 NASB95 This “fear” — φόβος phobos — is not what God desires. Instead, He asks for love that leads to obedience, reverence, and deep relationship. Moving from paralysis to purpose: Acting in faith despite fear Courage is not as the absence of fear, but as acting in faith regardless of it. It’s doing the thing that God put in front of us. So don’t be paralyzed by fear. Instead, train yourself, prepare and choose steps of faith. “Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid….” Deuteronomy 20:3 In our own lives, this means having a plan — whether for emergencies, spiritual battles, or daily challenges. Preparedness and vigilance: Working together After the return of Israel’s exiles from Babylon/Persia under Nehemiah, those rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls “carried their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon…” (Nehemiah 4:17–18). The lesson is twofold: trust God, but also be prepared. Practical vigilance — both spiritual and physical — is not a lack of faith, but an outworking of it. As we stand together, each with our skills — some “building,” some “watching out,” some “encouraging,” and all praying — we create a community where all are safer, stronger, and more supported. Paul’s “armor of God” metaphor (Ephesians 6) builds on this: put on the whole armor, gird yourself with truth, faith, and the sword of the Word. Endurance and the ministry of reconciliation Sometimes, we’re called to endure rather than to withdraw. Paul, about to face chains in Jerusalem (Acts 21), declared: “I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Yeshua” (Acts 21:13, paraphrased). Our group considered: when should we endure? When is it time to step away? Yeshua’s teaching in Matthew 18 gives a process for reconciliation — attempting peace, but recognizing that at times, withdrawing or escalating a matter is necessary. The goal: endurance that seeks reconciliation where possible, with forgiveness and a heart to let go of vengeance. Community, boundaries and discernment We recognized the importance of boundaries — drawn from Torah’s instructions on immovable boundary stones (Deuteronomy 19:14). In our relationships, staying “vigilant as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16) is just as important. We want to serve and love, but also discern and guard our own spiritual and emotional well-being. Discernment doesn’t mean suspicion; it means wisdom, humility, and responsible stewardship, especially for those in leadership. Resilience: Nothing can separate us from God’s love There’s a triumphant promise in Romans 8: “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord.” Romans 8:37–39 This is resilience — not denial of trials, but knowing that the worst the world can do cannot remove us from His love and purpose. Living al-tira “Do not fear” — “Al-tira.” Life’s seas may seem impassable, walls may seem insurmountable, and adversity may threaten to paralyze us. But in every situation, God’s call is to stand, trust, and move forward in faith. Through suffering or deliverance, through trial or triumph, we are to remember that the LORD is our strength, our shield, and our salvation. Let us encourage one another to be courageous — not because of our own might, but because of Yeshuat Adonai, the salvation of the LORD, goes before us and with us. Let’s practice vigilance, invest in community, set wise boundaries, pursue reconciliation, and — most importantly — treasure the relationship with our Father above all. May we trust, endure, and rejoice, knowing that nothing can separate us from His love. We all strive to live lives of purposeful faith, echoing this across generations: “Do not fear. Stand and see the salvation of the LORD.”
