“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the LORD rescue you today.”
The Bible is full of commands. One of the most common is the first command in our verse for today: “Don’t be afraid.” Since the Lord is with us, since He protects us, we should not fear. Fear is an indication that we do not fully trust the Lord. When Joshua was about to take over the leadership of the Israelites, the Lord said to him, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). The Lord expects us to be brave and fearless.
The second command in our verse for today is this: “Just stand still.” Since the Lord is with us, since He protects us, we don’t have to act to save ourselves. When King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah were threatened by the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel and he encouraged them. He said, “But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the LORD’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 20:17). The Lord expects us to step aside and allow Him to fight the battles for us.
The final command in our verse for today is “Watch the Lord rescue you today.” Since the Lord is mighty to protect us, we can watch and marvel at His salvation. When the prophet Micah was threatened by his enemies he said, “As for me, I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me” (Micah 7:7). The Lord delights to surprise us with the ways He comes through for us.
These three commands were not spoken by the Lord, but by Moses as the Israelites stood before the Red Sea. By then, Moses had it figured out. He did not need to be commanded by the Lord. Instead, he relayed to the people what he knew the Lord expected from them.
You know what the Lord expects as well. Like Moses, then, tell it to those that may need it: fear not, stand still, and watch the Lord come to the rescue.
By John Huisman
