Jeremiah 49:29 - Homiletics

Fear on every side.

This is a sadly familiar phrase of Jeremiah's. It is frequently applicable. The causes of alarm are numerous; so are the sufferers.

I. FEAR IS AN EVIL . It is not only the shadow of future calamity; it is evil itself—evil even if it is not justified by the event.

1 . It is distressing.

2 . It is degrading— debasing the mind, crushing out all that is noble and unselfish.

3 . It is paralyzing. Under the influence of fear we are confused and helpless; all energy is gone.

II. THERE ARE MANY OCCASIONS OF FEAR . Jeremiah frequently exclaims, "Fear on every side!" We know not how many dangers surround us—political, social, domestic, personal; dangers to property, family, health, and life. The wonder is that they who have no refuge above themselves are so complacent. Such unwarrantable calmness must be traced to moral dulness rather than to true courage. For how truly terrible is the condition of the sinner! The laws of the universe are against him. If he flees from this life new horrors await him in the dread unknown land.

III. THE DEEPEST SOURCE OF FEAR IS OUR OWN SIN .

1 . This brings the greatest danger upon us—the penalty of outraged justice and broken law.

2 . This awakens the feeling of terror. Conscience makes cowards of us all.

IV. IN GOD IS THE REFUGE FROM FEAR . Men fear God in their guilt. Yet it is he who alone can deliver them from fear,

It is well that we should feel fear on every side if it leads us to cry, "What must we do to be saved?" and then to hear and follow the gospel answer, "Trust to the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved."