Fear God
Being Afraid – Part 2

Scripture Reading: Matthew 10:21-31

Key Verse: Matthew 10:28

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Yesterday’s devotional reminded Christ followers to fight the fear of people as we live our lives for God.  Jesus knew that this is not natural and we would tend to fear people.  In fact, He knew we would fear people more than we would fear God.  Jesus makes it extremely clear to those who would want to truly follow Him: We must be afraid of the One who holds both body and soul in His hands.

            For kingdom minded people, it is a must to not allow our fear of people to overcome our fear of God.  Jesus goes on to show how illogical it is to fear people when He pointed out how much our Father in heaven loves us.  A sparrow was thought to be nearly worthless in value in Jesus’ day, yet Jesus proclaimed that the Father in heaven knew when one would fall to the ground.  Jesus went further in this line of logic and told us our Father knows the exact number of hairs on our head.  Jesus wrapped this section up with the only obvious conclusion: “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

            Jesus was describing both awesome knowledge and awesome love.  Why fear a person who holds none of these powers?  Why be disobedient to a God who knows you that much and loves you beyond measure?  Don’t follow any natural fears today.  Trust your awesome God.

Father, my mind cannot contain your power or your love.  My faith simply receives it and will praise you for it.  In Jesus’ name, amen.