Tag: Luke 12:4-5
Week 24–Day 1–Don’t fear men
Scripture reading for June 8: Luke 12:4-5“”I tell you, My friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear Him Who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!”” Proverbs 16:6 “By steadfast love and faithfulness iniquity is atoned for, and by the fear of the Lord one turns away from evil.”
Fear is a hidden force that lurks in the minds and hearts of human beings. Our enemy, the devil, thrives in an atmosphere of fear because he works through lies and deception. His lies bring about fears of punishment or rejection that allows for manipulation and control. A fear of failure holds man back from obedience to God and locks them in lifestyles of addiction and slavery to the flesh. Behind these fears, the devil works through men and women to plant fear and division instead of the faith and obedience that comes from hearing God’s Word. Proverbs 29:25 states that “The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.”
Jesus warned His disciples concerning the fear of men and their manipulations. They were not to fear those who threatened them with death because those who can kill the body do not determine a person’s eternal fate. God Alone holds that authority and He is the One we must fear (respect) and obey. Through Jesus Christ’s steadfast love and faithfulness our iniquity has been paid for and fear of death and punishment is removed. Through a relationship with Him and the indwelling Holy Spirit, we turn away from sin and evil.
First responders who are also faith responders understand this admonition of Jesus. We act in faith, trusting God to keep us safe as we deal with those who are hurting or those who through fear seek to manipulate or control others. We can be free from the fear of man and the fear of death and punishment through resting in Christ Jesus. We are then free to more effectively do our jobs.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for delivering us from the fear of man and his manipulation and threats. Help me to live each day trusting in You Alone for safety and wisdom to effectively deal with each incident in the courage of faith. Amen.
Thankful for the fear of the Lord!
Scripture reading for June 7th: Psalm 34-38
Key Scriptures: Psalm 34:11-14 “Come My children, listen to Me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good’ seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ear is attentive to their cry; . . .”
David got himself into a bit of a mess. To escape Saul’s threats, he went to the land of Abimelech, Israel’s enemy, and feigned madness in order to survive. Abimelech ended up sending him away. David wrote this psalm as an act of worship for God’s deliverance of his own life from his own folly. God’s mercy was truly there for those that feared Him and departed from evil.
Thankful for holy fear: (Jesus) “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear, Fear Him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tel you, fear Him.” (Luke 12:4-5)