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Matthew 10:28-31
Jesus makes a profound statement about His heavenly Father and how His apostles/disciples should deal with fear. He states in Matthew 10:28 (NKJV), “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Jesus goes on to explain of how little worth a sparrow/small bird is to man, but of how great detail God goes through to care for this small and seemingly insignificant bird. But even these seemingly insignificant small birds are in God’s will, and nothing happens to them that God does not oversee.
In comparison to the sparrows, Jesus proclaims that God cares for His disciples/apostles much more than the sparrows. He states in Matthew 10:30-31, “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
This is a command to put your faith in God who knows you so well that He even knows the number of hairs on your head.
In this example of the power of God that one should fear a destruction of body and soul in hell, is also an example of God’s love for us that is so great and caring that He pays such attention to each of us that He has even numbered the hairs on our heads. Jesus has been teaching His apostles about the persecutions that they will face from the world as they prepare to go out and share the gospel message of, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17; 10:7). But those who should fear God are those who refuse to believe in Him and His One and only Son Jesus, whom He sent to save the world from sin (John 3:16-17) as their eternal punishment awaits them in hell. Jesus has informed His apostles in Matthew 10:15 (NIV), “Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.” But for those who seek God’s will for their lives through faith in Christ Jesus should not fear God as Jesus explains the caring and love that God has for His children as being more important to Him than the insignificant sparrow. God is a righteous God of truth, love, and judgment. In being righteous and truthful, judgment must be given, but in His love and forgiveness for everyone who will put their faith in Him and accept His gift of salvation through His One and only Son Jesus, and repent of their sins and begin seeking His will for their lives is eternal life, peace and joy that will be given through His Holy Spirit into one’s heart. Jesus declares in Matthew 10:31 (NKJV), “Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” There is fear and respect for God; those who should fear Him are awaiting judgment and condemnation for eternity; those who respect Him are experiencing the power of His Holy Spirit through the gift of salvation in Christ Jesus that will result in existence in His glory for eternity. Choose Christ Jesus today and begin living in His glory that has no fear.
Dear LORD,
This world is stricken with fear, and we need Your help to overcome the fears, worries, and anxieties of this world. Please help us to know that as we put and keep our faith in You and open our hearts to Your gift to us in the salvation that only Jesus can provide, that we are more important to You than we could ever imagine. Please help us to understand that You are in control and that Your love for us should not bring about fear, but great joy and peace within. Please help us to trust and believe in Your saving grace. In Jesus name I pray, amen.