"Don’t be afraid of those who
want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only
God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one
copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your
Father knowing it. And the very
hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more
valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." Matthew 10:28-31
As Jesus brings this session with His disciples to a close He gives them two more ways to overcome fear. First, know what really matters and second, know how much you matter to God.
Think about it. Doesn't it make sense that attaching yourself too tightly to things that can be lost, stolen, broken or become obsolete is a prescription for anxiety?
You have a forever part of you and you have a frail fleshly part of you. Where do you think you should invest most of your faith, hope and dreams? Doesn't it make sense that investing those things that matter most to you in the forever could be a stress reducer?
Jesus thinks so. In fact, He knows it will!
So, the Master after telling His disciples not to be afraid turns a "180" saying they should focus their fear on those things that can destroy their spirit not their body.
What are some things that can destroy your spirit? Self-centeredness, materialism, greed, lust or covetousness would form a short but deadly list. Are not each of these connected in some way to a love of temporary comfort or pleasure or security. Does not a strong focus on these distract you from developing your spirit? Doesn't that continual and passionate pursuit of earthly advantages foster the rise of fear within your heart?
If you answered yes to any of these questions I urge you to give a second look at the Word of God. I implore you to give Him a listen when He calls you to change your fleshly focus to a forever focus. When you do you will notice an immediate peace that will continue to grow as you continue to follow.
One more truth gleaned from this saying of Jesus is that fear will decline as you increase in your awareness of God's love! No one ever has nor ever could love you as much as God does and Jesus came to prove that.
His follower, John, who knew Jesus as well as anyone on earth wrote, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend!"
The call to follow Jesus is a call to live in His love, to learn of His love, to lavish in a love which provides everything for the present life and the life to come!
Jesus is reminding His followers yet again how much His heavenly father enjoys caring for those who trust Him. He delights in it! He is good at it!
Essentially, Jesus wants you to know if you will care intentionally, passionately and primarily about the things He cares for then He will make sure your needs are cared for!
I feel relieved just thinking about it!
Don't you feel your tension level dropping?
Think about it. Doesn't it make sense that attaching yourself too tightly to things that can be lost, stolen, broken or become obsolete is a prescription for anxiety?
You have a forever part of you and you have a frail fleshly part of you. Where do you think you should invest most of your faith, hope and dreams? Doesn't it make sense that investing those things that matter most to you in the forever could be a stress reducer?
Jesus thinks so. In fact, He knows it will!
So, the Master after telling His disciples not to be afraid turns a "180" saying they should focus their fear on those things that can destroy their spirit not their body.
What are some things that can destroy your spirit? Self-centeredness, materialism, greed, lust or covetousness would form a short but deadly list. Are not each of these connected in some way to a love of temporary comfort or pleasure or security. Does not a strong focus on these distract you from developing your spirit? Doesn't that continual and passionate pursuit of earthly advantages foster the rise of fear within your heart?
If you answered yes to any of these questions I urge you to give a second look at the Word of God. I implore you to give Him a listen when He calls you to change your fleshly focus to a forever focus. When you do you will notice an immediate peace that will continue to grow as you continue to follow.
One more truth gleaned from this saying of Jesus is that fear will decline as you increase in your awareness of God's love! No one ever has nor ever could love you as much as God does and Jesus came to prove that.
His follower, John, who knew Jesus as well as anyone on earth wrote, "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend!"
The call to follow Jesus is a call to live in His love, to learn of His love, to lavish in a love which provides everything for the present life and the life to come!
Jesus is reminding His followers yet again how much His heavenly father enjoys caring for those who trust Him. He delights in it! He is good at it!
Essentially, Jesus wants you to know if you will care intentionally, passionately and primarily about the things He cares for then He will make sure your needs are cared for!
I feel relieved just thinking about it!
Don't you feel your tension level dropping?
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