Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid

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“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." -- Matthew 10:28

Would you pray if it could cost you your life? Daniel did. He trusted the Lord of Life. He prayed, knowing he’d be tossed to hungry lions. Daniel’s fear of the Lord and prayer saved him from being a cat treat.

Would you allow someone to push you into a blazing furnace? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did—they feared God’s condemnation more than the fire stoked by a mortal king. Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace burned like a match compared to the Lake of Fire God stokes for the unrepentant.

Would you stand up to a well-armed, massive terrorist? David did, and he didn’t even have a war-worthy weapon. While the army of Israel trembled in their sandals in the presence of Goliath, this young shepherd boy marched out with a few smooth stones and a sling to meet a blasphemous mortal. David feared the Lord, who delivered him from a lion and a bear, more than he feared Goliath.

David, Daniel, and his friends all proclaimed their faith to their foes before facing retribution. Fear sees mortals as monsters. Faith recognizes enemies as fragile foes. People may ruin our reputations, steal our treasure, and even send us to the grave, but they cannot separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:35–39).

I remember the horror I lived in for three days after God convinced me of the truth of His Word and the guilt of my sin. I knew if I died, I’d go straight to hell—and I deserved it. That fear was God’s kindness; it led me to repentance.

Four decades have passed since the moment of my new birth in Christ. I confess, like many American Christians who enjoy safely worshiping together in church each Sunday, I forget Jesus promised His followers persecution. I admit I am often too timid to share the Gospel. It’s easy for me, living on two and a half acres in rural Kansas and being a pastor’s wife, to insulate myself from those who are lost. My prayer lately has been a question: “Lord, to whom should I go?” And instead of asking Him how, I ask what: “What of Your word do You want me to speak to this person?” Only the Word of God rescues anyone from the wrath of God.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Who might you fear more than you should?

2. Who should you share Jesus with?

3. If your enemies come to faith in Jesus, how would that change your relationship with them?