The dictionary defines a coward as one who lacks courage, who has excessive fear. Since the word coward is not in scripture, cowardice can be studied as the opposite of courage. The word courage is first mentioned in conjunction with the children of Israel getting ready to cross into the Promised Land. Here Moses commissions the twelve spies and tells them to have courage (to rely on God and His promise of the land) despite the circumstances – no matter whether things look favorable or grim.
Numbers 13:20 “…whether the land is rich or poor; and whether there are forests there or not. Be of good courage. And bring some of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the season of the first ripe grapes. (NKJV)
Unfortunately we know that ten of the twelve spies gave an unfavorable report because they were afraid of the giants in the land and as a result the nation wandered in the wilderness for forty years. The second time the word courage is used occurs when Moses charges them after forty years to again go in and possess the land. It’s the same principle – trust God despite the circumstances.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
In the next mention of courage, Joshua is encouraging the people just before they enter the land.
Joshua 1:7, 9 “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest….9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”
Sandwiched in between these two verses is a familiar verse which challenges us to study and meditate on God’s Word and do according to what is written.
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Of course, this time they went in and God gave them the victory. From these initial examples of courage in the Bible, we glean that courage is facing a large obstacle or problem and doing what is right according to God’s Word, trusting that He will keep his promises and take care of the outcome. Cowards rely on their own strength, opinions and sight, while courageous people rely on God to do what they can’t or shouldn’t attempt to do on their own. If we are to be courageous Christians, we must discern from God’s Word what He wants us to do in any given situation and then by faith do it, trusting God to take care of the rest and leaving the results in His hands.
How does this apply to Creation? It applies in that we must courageously stand on the authority of the Word of God, trusting Him no matter what the circumstances or consequences. That authority begins with Creation in Genesis 1:1. As Christians we must maintain the entire Bible as our final and highest authority in ALL areas of life.
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