Scripture-
Luke 12:4-5 – “I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after they have nothing more they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you fear him!”
Observation-
Jesus is teaching the disciples and a large crowd when he tells them what on the surface appears contradictory but reaches our own sin nature to have a fear of other humans. This message is definitely counter cultural. However, in verse 5, Jesus warns us that we should have a fear of God as he is the ultimate judge possessing the keys to hell or eternal life with Him.
Application –
The words Jesus spoke 2000 years ago to his followers are so applicable to us in this uncertain time we are living in today. There are many things we can be fearful of from the virus, to unemployment and civil unrest in our cities. It is hard to watch the news and not have some level of concern. Yet, Jesus specifically is teaching us not be fearful of another human as they can only kill the body. We need to have a healthy, reverent fear for God and see Him as our creator, redeemer and soverign judge of the world. This doesn’t mean to keep God at a distance rather to seek Him and draw near to Him as he loves, desires a relationship with us.
Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and your warning. Let me live to follow and fear you not other humans.