Fear Not!

It could be objectively be said that some things are worse now than they were a generation ago. But it could also be objectively be said that other things are better.

In a world chocked full of evils and a rapid news cycle eager to constantly force feed your mind with it whether you like it or not, let’s gain some perspective…

Firstly, The Final Word

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.
Jesus as recorded in Matthew 16:33
“Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:18-20

Secondly, Some Thoughts From Others

It’s in our nature to be on the look out for trouble. Left unchecked, that can make us irrationally pessimistic. But if we look at the stat’s, it may not be that bad. And if we look at God, it’s actually good.

“August 16: No Fear and Full Confidence
Jesus didn’t exactly follow social niceties as a dinner guest. Once again while dining with a Pharisee, He exposed the hypocrisy that was rampant among those religious leaders: “Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but your inside is full of greediness and wickedness” (Luke 11:39). The “woes” He followed with challenged His host and, by extension, the Pharisees in general.”

His boldness is a trait He wanted to pass on to His disciples: “But nothing is concealed that will not be revealed, and secret that will not be made known” (Luke 12:2). The gospel message will not be kept secret; the new kingdom is coming into being.
Jesus wanted the disciples to be fearless among people because it is God who is in charge, not the Pharisees; they had built up a false construct of authority. And although they may have exercised authority—they could kill and spread fear—they weren’t ultimately in charge.

God is in charge: “But I will show you whom you should fear: fear the one who has authority, after the killing, to throw you into hell! Yes, I tell you, fear this one! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten in the sight of God. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered! Do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Luke 12:5–7).
When we’re overwhelmed by rampant sin and evil around us—even in us—it’s comforting to maintain this sure knowledge. It is God who both judges and gives life. If we confess Jesus as God, we have nothing to fear. We can be bold in trials and have confidence in Him.
What confidence do you have in your trials? How can you place your trust in God rather than people?”

Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan, Rebecca Van Noord

 

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One Response to “ Fear Not! ”

  1. […] there are things to be legitimately concerned about, it’s important to keep an Eternal Perspective on them. It’s also important to avoid being drawn into making a game out of it – this […]

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