Do Not Be Afraid! Is. 7:1-14

Fear is a common struggle for us all on some level. Every was has had its heroes; Men or women who overcame their fears and accomplished some great feat. Fear stops us from not just from greatness, but most of us, from just living life with peace and security.

In Is. 9:6, we find that there is some of “Ahaz” in all of us.
Leaders and their people can be shaken by fear
1. Past battles can lead to fear
2. Power brokers can lead to fear (King Rezin of Syria in this case)
3. The boasting of an enemy can lead to fear

But God speaks (Adonai) The “name” of the Lord (YHWH) is “adonai”—He is the
supreme authority.
This is why we are reminder time and again not to fear other humans but to only fear God (Adonai).
1. We must “stand firm” (end of vs. 9)
If God is not our strong tower or firm foundation; then we will fall!
2. Faith overcomes fear (Heb. 11:7)
For Ahaz, this was believing that God would take care of him and the nation in spite of the army of Aram.

A The Sign - Signs are hard things. Sometimes God takes our asking for them as a lack of faith; at other times He tells us to ask for them. The issue is faith and not fear.
1. God wanted Ahaz to ask for a sign to build his faith.
This sign had a double meaning as most do.
1. It was for Ahaz and birth of a son
2. It was for us in the future; Jesus (Immanuel) from Mary. (Gen. 3:15; Mt. 1:20-25;
II Cor 9:15)
The virgin birth is a mystery in the truest God sense of the meaning. God could make himself visible in all kinds of ways; but in this way we have a “God who would be like us.” (Heb. 4:15; 9 & 10)

My fears about God are overcome by His love demonstrated in becoming “like me.” Jesus was flesh and lived like I have and offered himself as my redeemer. God entered the human condition.

Cinco De Mayo

Today is a celebration in Mexico that reminds its people of 4,000 Mexican soldiers who smashed the French and traitor Mexican army of 8,000 at Puebla, Mexico, on the morning of May 5, 1862.

The "Batalla de Puebla" came to represent a symbol of Mexican unity and patriotism. With this victory, Mexico demonstrated to the world that Mexico and all of Latin America were willing to defend themselves of any foreign intervention.

146 years later, a young man shares his passion for what he has learned through the oral tradition of the story, as a young man, a Mexican, more specifically, a proud “Poblano”. Not being afraid to share his story with a new friend as they travel to Mexico City after a 3 day journey into the ever present embrace of God.

Diego, our new friend, shares how a brave few, confronted the strong “invincible” troops of the French but in his mind, as was told by those in his family and handed down , it was a great VICTORY and reason to celebrate, 1 century and a half later.

What do you and I celebrate….daily? Diego shared that he has no problem in sharing this part of history with anyone who would give him an opportunity to listen, the story of a great victory his family was a part of. But here is the real reason for joy…

He proceeded to share of a greater victory in his life that happened only 5 months and 5 days ago….. His COMPLETE and FULL change brought on by a greater Victor!!! He was transformed by the power of the cross as he gave his life completely, fully and without holding back to his Savior, always and everywhere willing to share the Story he has been awakened to, realizing that one has come and poured out his blood for not just him but all of humanity…Jesus Christ.

And the story went on….for the next 2 hours as we arrived into Mexico City, as we looked at the great volcano of Popocapetl and the surrounding mountains, dodging traffic racing to the airport and getting ready to continue on in our journey.

Thank you Diego for reminding me of the great Victory…..Christus Victor!!!! And we should celebrate EVERYDAY not just on the 5th of May…

Viva Cristo !!!