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The  Moab’s fear

Numbers 22:1-4 (AMP) The Israelites journeyed and encamped in the plains of Moab, on the east side of the Jordan [River] at Jericho. And Balak [the king of Moab] son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was terrified at the people and full of dread, because they were many. Moab was distressed and overcome with fear because of the Israelites. And Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. So Balak son of Zippor, the king of the Moabites at that time.

Introduction: In the course of reading our text last week,  something dropped in my heart which I want us to look at today; The Moab’s fear. We can learn from it so as not to fall into same error in our Christian journey.

What I refer to as the Moab’s fear is an unnecessary fear which led to evil steps taken. We also often take wrong steps in life due to unnecessary fear.

Who are the people of Moab or the Moabites?

Genesis 19:36-37(NLT) As a result, both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their own father. When the older daughter gave birth to a son, she named him Moab. He became the ancestor of the nation now known as the Moabites.

They are the descendants of Lot, Abraham’s nephew.

What is Moab’s fear?

Numbers 22:3(NLT) And when the people of Moab saw how many Israelites there were, they were terrified.

Why were they so terrified?

Numbers 22:4 And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time.

Moabites were afraid that all the economic resources of their country will be finished due to the magnitude of  the size of Israelites, and considering how they conquered nations along their way.

Why was Moab’s fear unnecessary?

The truth is that Moab had nothing to fear. God had told Israel not to mess with the Moabites. So, Israel was to do nothing but to just pass by.

Hear the Scriptures in;

Deuteronomy 2:9 The lord warned us, ‘Do not bother the Moabites, the descendants of Lot, or start a war with them. I have given them Ar as their property, and I will not give you any of their land.’”

Moab’s fear was also based on possibility of  economic problem if the great number of Israel descended on their goods.
Moab said that Israel would come through and “lick up” all of our goods—they are going to eat all our wealth up. They thought Israel would come in and take all their livestock and grain, and leave Moab destitute.
This fear was also unnecessary because Israel had not gone into the land yet, and God was still giving them daily manna  until the first harvest at Canaan, the promised land.
Joshua 5:12(NLT) No manna appeared on the day they first ate from the crops of the land, and it was never seen again. So from that time on the Israelites ate from the crops of Canaan.

So Israel wasn’t going to come in and devastate their land.They were not going to come in and take all their wealth because God had met their needs.

I see Moab’s fear as unnecessary fear that we also exhibit as children of God.
Fear of what God has settled in our lives by His word but we ignorantly allow this fear to put us in bondage.
You will find out that a lot of people died because of Moab’s fear, and the resultant effects of things that they did due to the fear.

Moab’s fear could have been avoided with a little bit of communication between Balak (the Devastator) and Moses (type of deliverer).
If he had come to Moses, instead of Balaam (the Devourer), everything would have worked out differently. But, they reacted to their fear, and really made a mess of things.

Do you know what Moab’s fear cost the generation of Moabites? Scriptures speak in Deuteronomy 23:3-4(NLT) “No Ammonite or Moabite or any of their descendants for ten generations may be admitted to the assembly of the lord. These nations did not welcome you with food and water when you came out of Egypt. Instead, they hired Balaam son of Beor from Pethor in distant Aram-naharaim to curse you.
They were denied of admission into the assembly of God’s children.
Moab’s fear, which is the fear of what God has resolved and settled by His word in our lives can deny us of God’s presence.

Remember what Scriptures say in;

Hebrews 11:6  But without faith it is impossible to please him : for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Fear of giants seen in God’s promised land made many Israelites perished without getting to the promised land
Numbers 13:33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Fear of giants seen in this wilderness of life can make children  of God to live the life of grasshoppers that are easy prey for birds and other insects.
Moab’s Fear can make a child of God to return to the world thereby forsaken the way of salvation.
Hear what the children Israel said after hearing about the giants in the promised land in;

Numbers 14:1-4 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!  And wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Have you experienced fears that drive you back to the world? Examining those fears, you will discover that God had spoken about them and made a way of escape.

Fear is surely one of the most potent arsenals of the Devil against believers.
All fears emanate from the fear of death. The fear of death is Moab’s fear as far as children of God are concerned because God has dealt with fear of death through Jesus Christ.
Scriptures speak in;

Hebrews 2:13-15  And again, I will put my trust in him. And again, Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Hear the Scriptures in;

Proverbs 29:25  The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

Talking about being subject to bondage and traps of the Devil due to fear, let’s see some instances from the Scriptures:

1️⃣ Fear that Job nurtured in his heart despite God’s blessings gave access to Satan in his life
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

What is that fear that you’re entertaining in your heart?
Unknowingly, it will be Moab’s fear which has been settled by God.
All that is needed is feeding your heart with what God has spoken concerning you and whatever may bring fear.
Spoken word of God will make you to go through God’s route to deal with fearful situations without applying  human wisdom like the Moabites.

2️⃣ Children of Israel feared Goliath when they focused on his stature and war records.
1 Samuel 17:24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him, and were sore afraid.

What is that fearful situation that looks like giant with records of Destroying others? Are you aware that you are not others? You are chosen and peculiar. That situation is surely Moab’s fear because God has spoken that He will never leave or forsake His own.
Israelites forgot what God did by the mighty Red sea on their way to promised land. They focused on Goliath rather than God. Fear can make you forget God’s previous power that saved you in your life’s journey.
All you need to overcome fear is to think back on what God has done and spoken. David did, and despite his small stature, he conquered Goliath the giant, knowing that the battle is the Lord’s.

3️⃣ David fearfully ran away from Absalom his son without remembering God’s plans for him in Israel.
2 Samuel 15:14 And David said unto all his servants that were with him at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for we shall not else escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest he overtake us suddenly, and bring evil upon us, and smite the city with the edge of the sword.

Are you fearful about any of your child? Probably thinking or confessing negatively; “this child will kill me “
Search what Scriptures say about the children He has given unto you. For example, 

Isaiah 8:18 says Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders... God even said in Psalms 128:6 that you will live to enjoy your grandchildren.    
Why will you allow fear to make you seek worldly wisdom in dealing with your children?

4️⃣ Fear does not respect anointing, David who conquered Goliath fearfully ran away for his son, so also Elijah that called down fire of God at Mount Carmel and killed prophets of Baal ran away for Jezebel.
1 Kings 19:2-3 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time. And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

Constant and consistent feeding on God’s word establishes His presence that drives away fear. David realised that truth and said; Psalms 23:4 (NLT) Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

Are you under any threat? Fear not as long as you are still with God, no power of hell shall overcome you.

5️⃣ Believers who could not confess Jesus Christ due to fear.
John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
Hear NLT of John 12:42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.

Why are there brethren in the church today that cannot speak the truth? They are afraid of being expelled from the church probably due to positions they are holding or benefits they are receiving.

Finally my brethren, when I realised that the “Fearful” are listed among those taking the broad way to hell as written in;

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, …..shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

I see the need to pray more as I run this race towards eternal life. Christian journey is not determined by success in Church business where  the rich are the target for membership so as to boost income as we prepare balance sheet of the Church. Once income dwindles, Devil presses the panic button and makes leaders run after members for their offerings pretending to care for their souls. Management theories are employed. Only those who walk in the Spirit will know that church’s business is God’s business therefore, no lockdown or any policy can bring down the Church of God. Why are we then agitated  to quickly start Church services? God knows if man does not know.
Devil can create fear and lead us away from  under the Shadow of God’s wings and get trapped in Satan’s bondage. Cast down all fearful imagination to the obedience of Christ.

✋ Maranatha