The Bible tells of a certain fear that is able to keep people in bondage their entire lives. Wouldn’t it be great if a person could beat that fear AS A CHILD, and skip a life-time of bondage? “Fear Not” is a wonderful “kid’s song” by the brilliant singer/song-writer/performer, Joe Fair — a song he wrote for his own kids. Give it a listen, and come back for more on how to gain freedom from all fears — a lesson for kids of all ages.

Powerful fear to last a lifetime

Hebrews 2 speaks of people “who for fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage”.

Wow! Without question, death is bad. But how much worse to live an entire life in bondage because of the FEAR of death?!? That person lives a miserable life — and dies anyway.

Is there a better way? Yes, there is. Read the rest of that verse and the day quickly brightens. We learn from Hebrews 2 that Jesus’ death made it possible for him to “destroy him that had the power of death, that is, …”

There should be a dramatic pause here — and a drum roll. Who has the power of death? This verse says, “the devil”.

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ understood this about the enemy. In John 10 Jesus said, “The thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy…” . Not only did Jesus come to “destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil” but also to “deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

How far can joy take someone?

Later in Hebrews we read, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

It is hard for us to understand how Jesus could so love that he would suffer such a death for us. These verses give us a glimpse into his thinking. “For the joy that was set before him” he endured the cross. Bundled in the joy set before him was knowing what his success would mean to his Father and to us, forever. Part of that success is that now, no one needs to live in bondage their whole life because they fear death.

What a wonderful savior Jesus was back then, and still is today. He did not come that we would remain in bondage. He came that we might have life, life more than abundant.

Death will be swallowed up in victory

Funeral homes are still in business, but that is going to change. Jesus Christ’s victory set up a period of time that is still going on today, a time when people can respond to his invitation to get in on everlasting life. When this period of time ends — and the Bible promises it will end — those who accepted the invitation will receive new bodies and live forever without fear or sickness or sorrow.

Until then we look unto Jesus as Savior and Lord, and as our example of love and endurance, as we reach out to others — to bring deliverance to those who through fear of death spend all their days in bondage. We’ve been given the privilege to tell others about our wonderful savior, and how they can get their names written in the book of life.

What a difference we can bring to other’s lives. What influence and inspiration we can help build in the next generation. What light we can project to dispel darkness from the valleys all the way up to the mountaintops of influence in this present world — as we boldly take ground — and fear not.

God bless you lots!
-Dale R.

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LYRICS: Fear Not
Song by Joe Fair

Chorus:
Fear not, fear not
Fear not my little one.
It gives God good pleasure
To bless everyone.
So fear not, fear not
Fear not my little one.
Your name is written in heaven
Shining like the sun.

1. Like a lion
Be bold my little one.
There’s nothing can harm you
Once you have begun
Standing boldly;
So be bold my little one.
Your name is written in Heaven
Shining like the sun.

2. Lovely child of light
Be not dismayed.
Or of any matter
Don’t you be afraid.
God is with you.
Be bold my little one.
Your name is written in heaven
Shining like the sun.

Hear songwriter Joe Fair sing this song.

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First posted September 4, 2019. New video and revised notes posted May 14, 2023.