Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Fear that brings God glory

Mt 10:17-27 - Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household. “So have no fear of them for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.

This prophecy of their future suffering is finished with three ‘Do Not Fear’ commands, the first one which is today. The question might be asked what causes fear and Jesus answers that: First, he commands them not to be anxious over what they will say when they are delivered up to the governors and kings. The Spirit will give them the words. Second, don’t be anxious that you will be delivered by your family and that you will be hated because those who endure will be saved. Third, they will persecute you and lastly they will malign you. Not encouraging words by any mean. But, at the end of these prophecies that did come true, are the bedrock of peace and joy, which is “have no fear!” There are two ways to look at it: These things are going to happen, so don’t worry. And when they happen don’t fear. I am in control and this is according to my plan. The world will soon be responsible for the words that I have shared with you. You will be my witnesses and it will involve suffering. But, don’t fear, for I am in control.

Ps 96:4-6 - For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

There is no need to fear persecution or people or governors or kings. God is to be feared above all, because He is the creator who made all, the powerful one who is above all, and the glorious one who is to be honored above all. Fear of man strips him of His glory. The fear of Him honors him in his glory. Even in the worst situation, do not fear, but Fear God alone.