Mike Wiist

Click HERE to hear last weeks lesson on FEAR.

Luke 12:4-5

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 tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of the is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. NIV

How can a verse that reminds me that God has the power to throw man into hell bring me such comfort?

Comfort comes from knowing who's I am.

Later in Luke 12:8 Jesus says “I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the son of man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.”

I know who's I am. I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I acknowledge that “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1

(I acknowledge that)Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (John 1:3)

I acknowledge that Jesus Christ “being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8

I acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord and so I have very little to fear.

I enjoy how casually Jesus deals with Death in Luke 12:4 “do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.” He takes man's biggest fear (DEATH) and puts it to the side. So man can kill you? Then what? What else can man do? NOTHING! God is much larger than the physical. We should fear God enough to trust Him. We should stand in Awe of God in such a way that it moves us to do what he says. But the only time we need to be afraid of God is when we find ourselves opposed to him or maybe more specifically, when we find ourselves denying him.