The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.

Why do the wicked run away, even when no one is chasing them?

First, they run because they have guilty consciences. The wicked know they are doing wrong. They know that God exists, “because he has made it obvious to them… So they have no excuse for not knowing God,” (Romans 1:19-20). And they know that God holds them accountable, because “God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness,” (Romans 1:18). They run every time something ghastly and appalling rises up against them, because they fear the wrath of God may have finally caught up with them.

Second, they run because the curses of God come on the disobedient. “You will run as though fleeing from a sword, and you will fall even when no one pursues you,” (Leviticus 26:36b). The blessings of God have been removed from the wicked and they have been cursed to the fate they deserve. They will run to try and save themselves from their fate, but to no avail. They will flee, but the trouble will overtake them.

Why are the godly as bold as lions?

First, they are bold because they have clear consciences. Although they are not perfect, they know that they’re in right standing with God. They know that God is pleased with them and will show them favor. “For you bless the godly, O LORD; you surround them with your shield of love,” (Psalm 5:12). They are as bold as lions even when ghastly and appalling things rise up against them, because they know that God is with them, that God is on their side.

Second, they are bold as lions because the blessings of God come on the godly. “Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath your sword,” (Leviticus 26:8). The curses of God have been removed from them, and His blessings have come upon them (Deuteronomy 28:2). The godly will stand firm before trouble because God has blessed them with the courage necessary to stand firm, and He will fill their enemies with fear.

 If you have been made right with God through Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21), then you are among the godly. Be bold, then, like a lion—and watch your enemies flee before you.

By John Huisman, friend of Bible League International