Be Not Afraid!

Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. Joel 2:22

 

“Be not afraid,” is the same Hebrew word, ary yare’, that is used in the previous verse translated, “Fear Not.” The word is spoken to all of creation to bring comfort and hope:

Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.    Romans 8:21-22

            The “tree” spoken of here is the Cross, the tree of life. We are told that “the tree” will bear her fruit. This is speaking of Christ and the Christian who were crucified on it.

            The fig tree is nothing other than Israel and the vine is, without doubt, Christ and His Church, the covenant Bride.

            The promise, then, to all of creation, Israel and the Church is that they will yield, Ntn nathan. We understand this to mean that they will commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, produce, yield, or bestow her strength.

            Strength, lyx chayil, host, forces, valiant men of valour, host, riches, wealth, power, substance and might is the yield of the covenant people of God.

            We can see that the working of God on earth will be manifest through both covenant groups of God; Israel and the Church. Yes, both have a covenant with God. The covenants differ in their administration but they are just as binding in both instances. There is a third group of people and they are without covenant though God will deal with them. They are the gentiles; neither Jew nor of the Church. This is what is being taught in 1 Corinthians 10:32 (KJV): “Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God.” These are the only people groups recognized by the Almighty.

            These days in which we live will show forth the dealings of God with each of these people groups to fulfill His plan and purpose.  The three-fold chord of God, His chosen people, the Jews, and His children, the Church will be displayed in strength.

 

George

Copyright (c) 2009 George M. Stover Jr.