Fear of People, Fear of God

June 26, 2020

Jesus is sending the disciples on a mission, and he points them to the same theme which began our week - to a holy fear of the LORD. As you read, consider this question: Why would Jesus emphasize fearing God instead of people when sending the disciples out on mission? 

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REFLECTION

Fear of People, Fear of God

By Jeff Morlock

Polls show that the second greatest fear people have is the fear of death. The greatest fear, of course, is … public speaking. Yep, most people are more afraid of speaking words to an audience than of ceasing to breathe. Among Christians, though, the greatest fear may be doing what the twelve apostles were sent by Jesus to do in this passage –  lift up the name of Jesus and tell folks how they can come to know Him as Lord and Savior.

Why is this so hard? Like the twelve, we too, face opposition; many around the globe face persecution and death from a world that hates Christ. The gospel is bad news before it’s good news. So “Who are you to tell me that I need to repent and turn away from sin toward God?” Does fear of opposition, of saying the wrong thing, of feeling foolish, or being “left out” sometimes cause you to keep your faith hidden? When it comes to what others can say or do to us, Jesus admonishes, “Don’t be afraid.” But not in a “buck-up-and-be-more-brave” kind of way. The choice is not between courage and fear, but between whom we will fear more, God or the enemies of his gospel.

In that regard, we can rejoice that the One who has the power to destroy both body and soul in hell is also the one who has the hairs on our heads numbered! We are more valuable to him than many birds. So valuable that God sent his only Son to die on a cross, where he experienced the wrath for sin in our place! He rose again to remind us that the worst thing that can happen to us is never the last thing. And on Pentecost, he sent His Holy Spirit to fill us, so that, come what may, his presence and power would overcome our fear.

Prayer: Lord God, you not only free us from sin, but for the advancement of your kingdom. As we join you in your work of the gospel, let us fear nothing above you. Would you grant us a greater knowledge of your justice that vindicates all who follow you (v. 26-27), your sovereignty over all things (v. 28), and your love that holds us fast (v. 29-31). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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