'It's all right,' 'Don't be afraid.

Major Howard Webber contributed to our blog 3 years ago as we introduced his award winning book, Meeting Jesus. 

Today we're sharing from his weekly posts in his Facebook forum; It's Thursday! 

The Major shared; "Being retired and no longer having a regular platform ministry, (but having a heart that is still bursting), I decided to join Facebook and post a weekly message. The thought behind it was, that even if it touches only one or two people and makes a difference for them in either their walk and love for God or in drawing them to the Saviour, it would be a worthwhile ministry. In addition, as I prepare each week, God talks to me and teaches me, challenges and encourages me much."

Major Webber's Thursday posts will become a regular FSAOF feature - We're jumping the gun by a few days to share this introductory piece. 
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'It's all right,' he (Joseph's steward), said, 'Don't be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.' Genesis 43:23

I just love the humour in God's word. I couldn't help but chuckle at what the steward said when I read this verse. Imagine the picture. Joseph's brothers returned to Egypt with Benjamin, and when Joseph saw them he ordered, (obviously in Egyptian), that his steward take them to his house and prepare a sumptuous meal for them, (v 16). They were scared. They thought the worse when they arrived at Joseph's house. They thought their arrival there was a prelude to something terrible that he had in store for them for stealing the silver that they had found in their sacks.

Consequently, they put the case supporting their innocence to Joseph's steward, believing that the fact that they had now returned the silver they had found in their sacks following their first visit, would confirm their innocence. Assuring them there was no need to be afraid, the steward humorously replied, saying that he had their payment and that it was their God who put the silver in their sacks. On one level that may well have been true if one believes that Joseph was following God's directions and that God had planned the whole scenario.

It is a natural thing for us to be fearful. Especially when situations and circumstances change, especially when our welfare is in the hands of another. Why else would Jesus so often say, 'be not afraid,' (Matt 14:27, 17:7, 28:10), or 'fear not,' (Matt 10:28,31, Luke 8:50, John 12:15) to his disciples? 'Wherever we may find ourselves, help us to ever trust you and not be afraid, dear Lord, amen.' God bless you all.

Major Howard Webber UK

Selected as the WINNER, Christianity Magazine's Book of the Year 2010 has now been published  as an ebook, available on both amazon.co.uk and amazon.com (USA and Int'l). Major Webber, now living in retirement shares; "My only desire for selling the book is that readers might be encouraged and inspired in their own understanding and effort to witness to the saving Grace of this wonderful Saviour of ours."