SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:1-7
Jesus seems to be making conflicting statements: do not be afraid (Luke 12:4) and “fear Him” (Luke 12:5).
But this makes sense, when it is understood as healthy respect – for God and against evil.
For example, I do not need to fear the police officer as long as I fear (avoid) crime.
But when I engage in criminal activity, then I ought to be afraid of the police.
If we respect the Law, and it’s enforcers, we do not need to fear their enforcement.
** When our son was young, he and a friend (whose family sometimes had trouble with the police) saw a police car drive by. It was interesting to notice the difference in response. Our son thought it was cool, but his friend grumbled in a negative way, ‘it’s the cops’. One respected the police, one detested them. **
The police are not our enemies, but if we get on the wrong side of the Law, they must oppose us.
God loves us, He cares so much for us that He knows every hair of our being.
But the problem is that we do not fear (avoid, resist) the bad stuff enough.
Not just hypocrisy, but greed, meanness, lust, arrogance, apathy, stealing, cheating, lying…
When we get comfortable with this kind of stuff, we become harmful to everyone.
We need to be vigilant (on guard) against this stuff, we ought to fear its destructive effects.
And when we don’t fear them, then we better start fearing the Enforcer, because He has to deal with us.
Just as the police cannot ignore criminal activity, God cannot either… and won’t.
God is our friend, God wants the best for everyone, for you, and for me.
Fear the bad stuff, respect the Good One, and all will be well.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, since You know everything about me, there’s no sense hiding from You. Since You love me, there’s no sense avoiding or detesting You. Help me to fear the bad stuff, and to respect You, and Your good Law!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
I sense God saying imagine what your life, and everyone’s lives could be like if we all had that healthy respect/fear for God. Imagine if we all followed all of God’s teaching … If we made the right choices all the time. Seeing that vision makes me want that kind of life! Lord, I pray that you would help me make better choices on a daily basis!
Observations/Application
The following was super. The crowd was great! Popularity. But be careful. There are two sides to the popularity. My way or His Way. The Pharisees wanted man’s approval. Jesus knew the persecution that was to come. Would they or I be able to resist the temptations or be able to stand up for Jesus? Following Jesus is a journey to a destination and the arrival there is the goal of living for Jesus. There will be ‘bumps’ along the way but He is with us all the way. He knows all and there are no secrets from Him. Even the deepest thoughts and motives God knows. Stay on track. Be strong. Opposition will come for God’s people but God is aware and knows all. We are in His hands if we but walk in His ‘SonShine.’ Stay the course. Stay the course. Stay true. Walk with the risen Saviour also today.
A mighty Fortress is our God,
A Bulwark never failing;
Our Helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side,
The Man of God’s own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth His Name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.
And though this world, with devils filled,
Should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim,
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure,
For lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.
That word above all earthly powers,
No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go,
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill:
God’s truth abideth still,
His Kingdom is forever.