Fearless #3

Our next passage on fear that we will be studying is in Matthew 10.  Three times in seven verses we are told not to fear.

Matthew 10:25-31 (NKJV)

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
“Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 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. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.

At the time Jesus spoke this, He was commissioning the 12 disciples to go out  unto the lost house of Israel and preach that the kingdom of God is at hand. They were to heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and raise the dead.  They were to rely on the hospitality of those who accepted their message.


I'd be a little apprehensive of these instructions.  "What?  No carry-on luggage?  No secret stash of cash?  No debit or credit cards in case no one takes me in?  You mean, I can't take extra outfits in case what I'm wearing is too wrinkled or I drop a taco on it?"

"WHAT IF I TAKE THE WRONG SHOES?" 

But I can't expect to be treated better than my Lord and master was treated.

What I must remember is that nothing can harm me apart from the Lord's will. His plan and purposes WILL get done.  Does that mean I will never have to suffer?  No.  He does not promise a pain-free life. He HAS promised this:

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose

He's also promised we will be more than conquerors. We can overcome even persecution through Him.  (Read Romans 8:37-39)


And, He also reassures us how valuable we are to Him.   He is a God of detail, who not only knows when a sparrow falls to the ground, He even keeps track of the amount of hairs on our head! That fact alone boggles my mind - I'm sure my hair-count changes hourly ...


The point is, if you are doing the will of the Father, you have nothing to fear.  He will enable you to accomplish what He has called you to do.


(Sound familiar?  This was also my point when I wrote the post, Fearless #2   I suppose there is someone who needed to hear that twice ... You're welcome.)


I'm linking this post at Darlene's Titus 2sDay, for I think we all need to learn to trust instead of fear:

You can link up at The Time-Warp Wife.