Scripture to Read: Luke 12:4–5
Jesus continued to speak to His disciples, but again, everyone there would have heard the words of our Lord. God had Luke record in Luke 12:4–5, “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Jesus wanted them to know that spiritual hypocrites will always despise true followers of Christ. As followers of Christ, we should never be surprised by persecution; rather, we should expect it. Then, Jesus spoke of not fearing those who kill the body. Jesus knew all of His disciples would suffer a martyr’s death, except for John. Of course, Jesus knew what He would suffer at the hands of those who hated Him as well. Jesus then made it clear that God the Father is the only One worthy to be feared. This is all about honoring God above man. God tells us in Psalm 112:1, “Praise the Lord! How blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.” God again tells us in Proverbs 29:25, “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.” Our fear of the Lord should come above all else, for when we fear Him, honor Him, and adore Him, then nothing that man does to us deters us from our walk with our King.
Challenge & Application
Why should we not be surprised by persecution as a Christian?
Why is fearing God above all else critical to a healthy walk with our Lord?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!