Who we fear will determine how we live.
“I fear no one,” says the arrogant man or foolish woman.
We all have fear of some kind. We fear what others may think of us, we fear failure, we fear being alone, or dying alone. Truly whom we fear is who we respect. And who we bow down to.
Jesus was confronting the Pharisees still.
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
The problem was the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. They feared losing the honor, respect and praise of men more than they feared God. Because of this they would do hidden things believing no one would ever know.
That’s a common phrase. “No one will ever know. No one will find out.”
The problem is that there are two that will know. And they are the only two that matter.
First, God knows what you say and do and think.
Secondly, you know what you say and do and think.
The reason for their wrong behavior in the dark was their belief that no one would know. But Jesus says everything will be known that can be known. Walk in the fear of God.
“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 your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them 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.
Jesus continues his teaching on fear. Although this time he says to fear God even above your own life. Because God alone has the say over our eternity.
And while that sounds scary, Jesus tells them that God’s care is deep and significant. Even the hairs on our head are numbered. So do not fear if we fear God above all fears.
“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
Fear can cause us to do things we don’t want to do and go against our values. One of those is in acknowledging Jesus. Are we quiet about him? Minding our own business? Don’t want to cause trouble? Or do we acknowledge him publicly.
“When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.”
What about if it is illegal in the eyes of man to acknowledge Jesus publicly? They may arrest you, bring lawsuits against you, imprison you or kill you.
It’s Ok Jesus. Just maintain the fear of the Lord before the authorities of man. And the Holy Spirit will help you know what to say.
Who we fear determines how we live. The truth is, many Christians are silent or refused to share their faith out of fear. I have on occasion been quiet when I should have spoken based on the fear of man.
Jesus though invites us to a greater fear. That we would fear God alone. Because when he is our greatest fear, all other fears are silenced.