1. “Here Be Monsters”
In the British Museum in London, there is an old mariner’s chart drawn in 1525 outlining the North American coastline. The cartographer who created the map did so from information gleaned from ocean-going crews of the day. There were notations on where reefs might be, and where the best harbors could be found. But there were certain sections that were relatively blank. And in those sections were notations like the following:
* "Here be giants!"
* "Here be fiery scorpions!"
* "Here be dragons."
In other words: “Here be monsters”
Ever since man has gone out on the water in boats, seafarers have always been just a little afraid of the unknown, the unseen and the uncontrollable. And they felt fear.
2. Fear is something we contend with.
3. DL Moody was in a discussion with a woman and she told him that she had found a verse to help her when she was afraid – Psalm 56.3
When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
He responded that he had a better verse that keeps him from being afraid – Isaiah 12.2
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
4. Consider Fear and God’s Antidote
I. Fear’s Comparisons
A. Some Fear is Positive –
1. One can keep us from harm [Busy streets; unhealthy activities; electric outlets. . . .
2. One can teach us respect for God – Proverbs 1.7
3. One Gains Benefit
26 In the fear of the LORD one has strong confidence,
and his children will have a refuge.
27 The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life,
that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 14.26-27
B. Some Fear is Paralyzing
• “Fear Not” – 365 times in Bible
• Examples
a. Angels to Shepherds – Luke 2.10
b. Yeshua (Jesus) to Jairus – Fear Not, only believe – Mark 5.35-36
c. Lord to Paul when threatened – Fear Not – Acts 18.9-11
II. Fear’s Causes
A. Guilty Consciences
Shakespeare: “Conscience doth make cowards of us all.”
1. Adam and Eve – Hiding for fear – Genesis 3.10
2. Fear of disapproval; punishment; Loss
B. Ignorance
1. Children and fear of storms/dark
One summer night during a severe thunderstorm a mother was tucking her small son into bed. She was about to turn the light off when he asked in a trembling voice, "Mommy, will you stay with me all night?" Smiling, the mother gave him a warm, reassuring hug and said tenderly, "I can’t dear. I have to sleep in Daddy’s room." A long silence followed. At last it was broken by a shaky voice saying, "The big baby!"
2. Adults -- unknown
C. Our Weaknesses
1. 1 Talent man – Matthew 25.24-25
24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’
2. Unmanageable Crises – In Genesis 14 (Abraham vs. 4 Kings – afraid of return)
15.1 -- After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: “Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.”
D. Unbelief
1. Stilling the storm
2. Why were you SO afraid?
40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Mark 4.40-41
III. Fear’s Conclusion – Isaiah 12.2
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
A. Eyes on Yeshua (Jesus) – Not selves or problems
1. Peter walking on water – Matthew 14.28-30
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”
2. 10 Spies – saw Giants and Obstacles; 2 Spies saw God and Opportunities
B. Hold to God’s Promises (Romans 10.17)
1. This is real or it is not
2. If we do bible things in bible ways, shouldn’t we get bible results?
3. Hearing & Obeying
C. Embrace God’s Spirit – 2 Timothy 1.7
At the beginning of this sermon I told you about an ancient map that is on display at the British Museum in London. Before the map made its way to the British Museum however, it was the prized possession of a British explorer by the name of Sir John Franklin in the 1800’s.
But in spite of its value, Sir John Franklin was offended by the fear that the ancient mariners had. And so he scratched out the inscriptions. And in place of the phrases that had once read:
* "Here be giants!"
* "Here be fiery scorpions!"
* "Here be dragons."
He wrote these words across the map: "HERE IS GOD."
“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12.2
Turn to God’s Yeshua
Drink of his wells – Isaiah 12.3
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.
(Samaritan woman)
The story is told of the renowned conductor Reichel, who was leading a great orchestra and choir in the final rehearsal of Handel’s Messiah. They had come to that point where the soprano soloist was to sing the refrain, “I Know that My Redeemer Liveth.”
With the chorus quiet, her elegant voice rang out. It was marked by perfect technique in breathing and enunciation. She sang every note just as it was written. As the final note faded into silence, the entire orchestra expected to see Reichel’s nod of approval.
But instead, he stepped down from the podium and made his way to the singer. With a look of sorrow, he said, “My daughter, you do not really know that your Redeemer lives, do you?” “Why, yes,” she blushingly replied. “Then sing it,” cried Reichel. “Tell it to me so that I will know and all who hear you will know… that you know the joy and power of it.”
Turning to the orchestra, he motioned to begin again. This time the soloist forgot about musical technicalities and sang the truth as she knew it in her own soul. This time Handel’s Messiah became more than a musical piece. It became a declaration of personal faith and experience.
