The Enemy of Faith: Matthew 10:26-31
““26) Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27) What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28) Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29) Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30) But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31) So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:26-31
Jesus now identifies the greatest enemy of faith. Many turn away from Jesus and the gospel because of fear. They fear ridicule, persecution, physical harm and death.
This is the number one reason people decide not to go on mission trips. I constantly get the question; “Is it safe!” I think the safest place to be in in the center of God’s will! They respond with all kinds of irrational comments. “What if the airplane crashes, or there is political upheaval, or a mob attacks us?”
My response, “these things happen in everyday life apart from serving God.” The last I looked there were riots in our cities, violence, irrational mass shootings, car accidents, cancer, sickness and death. Why do you think serving God exposes you to more danger than daily life in a fallen world?
Three times in this context Jesus said, “Do not fear!” I purposed years ago to live by faith and not fear. I recognize God is good and sovereign and cares for HIs own. All of us will one day face our own morality. I would rather die serving Jesus than live serving self and the world.
Apart from Gods power to protect us, according to Hebrews 1:14, God also assigns angels to watch over us. I have had many experiences of Divine protection and intervention. I believe we are more than safe “in Christ” until He calls us home!” If you doubt me, read what Paul said about this subject in Romans 8:31-39.
Our hope and focus should be on eternal life beyond here and now. That’s why Jesus said; “28) Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
We are to have a holy reverence for God that overcomes our fear of the enemy. Fear actually defines our true view of God. Any area in our life where fear is on the throne, God is not!
If God counts the hairs on our head, He must have an extreme interest in the details of our life. He loves and cares for us more than the sparrows.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
