Fear: Good and Bad



Matthew 10:24-25
24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.
26“So have no fear of them [opponents], for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
27What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.
28And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Here’s our four letter word for the day – fear. So many times we are immobilized by that which we fear. And often we make up stuff to be afraid of by allowing our imaginations to run away with us and create situations and scenarios where fear takes over. What if this happens? Or what if that happens? Then we are off and running down a path made of “what ifs” and suddenly we are unable to move forward with the work that lies before us. As Jesus finishes up His Words of instruction to the disciples about their lives as His missionaries, He speaks words of grace and comfort. No, this life will not be easy; not in the least. But even the face of opposition, there is no reason to fear.

Jesus discusses three fears:
   1. Fear of those who would oppose us
   2. Fear of those who can actually kill us
   3. Fear of God Himself
 
Two of those fears are born of what others think of us or could do to us. What if others don’t agree with us or actually speak against us? It’s a miserable experience and we know it’s miserable because we’ve all had it happen to us. If everyone agrees with you all the time, then you probably aren’t saying anything! Then there are those who can actually take our lives. Of course that is a fearful thing. But even they are not in final control of your life for all they have done is sent you into the arms of Jesus. Finally, Jesus lets us know that the only real Person we are to fear is God Himself, for He holds our eternity in His hands. No one else deserves our “fear” because in the end they too are completely powerless in the face of an Almighty God.

Dealing is fear is something every single human being has to deal with; some to a greater degree than others but all fear is fear. For the Christian it is a matter of recognizing the truth; God is the only one with any power over you whatsoever. Others may think they can control you or cause you to fear them, but they have not been given that power. It belongs to God alone. Our only job is the live in that truth.

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