Matthew 10:26,28,31, Do not fear …  Jesus

 

We went to the coast to be with my family who are vacationing in Port Aransas yesterday.  It has been a long time without getting away – even for a day.  It was a fun to be with them and to get away from the “new normal” even for a day.

 

Yes, there is a lot of scary things in the world – both real and imagined.  Jesus  sent His disciples into the world to heal, cast out demons, to show the power of God in the things they did, and to preach the kingdom of heaven was near.  They were sent with the power of God to do these things; to learn what that meant. 

 

They were told not to fear those who would come against them because the power of God, the Holy spirit would be with them; the Holy Spirit would be with them to sustain them.  Why was this so important?  Because Proverbs 1:7 needed to be down deep in their spirit.  The verse is often quoted.  Read it again, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”  But look at the last part of the verse, “But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”  Those who fear God do not need to fear anyone or anything else.  You and I need to understand this just as the disciples sent out by Jesus needed to understand.  Any time one of God’s followers decide to work for Christ, the enemy is going to counter attack.  Oh no, there is going to be resistance and reaction to your work for the Lord?  Yes, there is.  Oh no, what I am I to do?  Do what Jesus said, “Don’t fear!”  Remain faithful to the Word of God, and be truthful and courageous.

 

In verse 31, Jesus reminds you and me about how valuable we are to Him.  God places great value on you and your personal needs (not wants), He desires our love and fellowship so much that He sent His Son to die on a cross for you.  When Jesus sent out the disciples, He wanted them to know that His presence was with them.  That is a lesson for each of to know and understand.  He is always with us; He cares for our needs, our trials, our joy and our time of sorrow.  He desires and treasures our faithfulness, love and loyalty above all earthly things.  When we offer these things to Him, when we are unwavering in the trial we face, He is brought honor and glory; that is His desire from each of us!

 

How appropriate to bring up the last part of Proverbs 1:7 on April 1 - April Fool’s Day. I know my friend, D.C. Adkisson, would not mind me quoting his daily devotional for today. In fact, I encourage you to go to irapaine.com and read what he has written!  Let me give you a taste of what he wrote.

 

“Here is enough to give us the idea of the heart and course of the "fool."  Foolishness, folly is the choice of many which will lead down the road to destruction.  Heed the advice of our Lord Jesus, seek to find the narrow gate, follow the difficult way, and find life everlasting (Matthew 7:13-14).
    We may laugh at the foolish pranks done today.  We may smile at the puns or the jokes, but the way of the fool is no laughing matter.  He is to be pitied and witnessed to, if he will listen.  I like what Charles Portis wrote in True Grit, “What have you done when you have bested a fool?”

 

Do not fear!  Fear the Lord!  Don’t be a fool!

 

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