Notes from Alex: Fear that makes you fearless... Luke 12.4-7 The usual answer to fear is courage, and certainly there is room for that understanding. I had a sign in my office once that read, Courage is fear that has said its prayers. This is an encouraging idea, and one supported in scripture. But there is another way of thinking about this idea of dealing with being afraid. Listen to what Jesus taught his disciples, And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear. Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. Jesus identifies who it is we should fear, and the only one he tells us to fear is God. There is no justifiable reason to fear any other, like we fear God. No man has the power to cast into hell, but only God. This being true, then it only leaves God to fear. But when God is properly feared, then it leads to fearless life. When one truly lives in the fear of God, then he becomes able to be fearless. It doesnt mean that you will never face dangers. Jesus said, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, which implies that some may face the consequence of death for being a follower of Christ. But this possible reality should not be seen as a threatening thing to those who properly fear God. Why is that? Listen to what Jesus said...not one bird is ignored or forgotten by God. Your hairs are numbered and you are MORE valuable to God than a flock of birds. This is why we can be fearless. When we fear God, we are living a life designed to please him, and when you live like that, you have nothing to fear. We serve God, who is the only one able to cast into hell, and he will not cast into hell those who love him with all their hearts. This is Pauls very point in Romans 8.35-39. Read this passage before bed, and reflect on your fear of God. These are sobering words that will challenge and encourage the soul. Rest in Gods peace. You can be fearless, with the fear of God in your heart.
Posted on: Fri, 23 May 2014 16:35:36 +0000