SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:4 “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
OBSERVATION: Here we see the obvious reason we should fear God! This fear, as Proverbs says, is the beginning of wisdom. If we are walking in sin, we should be afraid of God! (Proverbs 9:10)
As awesome as the power of God is to punish, it is also awesome to protect. As awesome to exact justice, it is also awesome to express tenderness and kindness. And so, Luke continues on in the next two verses. This awesome God who has the power to destroy the soul in hell, watches over the sparrows! Not even one of them is forgotten! Amazing! This awesome God who has the power to destroy the body in hell, knows and cares about even the number of the hairs on my head! Amazing! And so Luke, who tells us to fear this One with the power to cast into hell (Luke 12:5), also tells those in HIS care “Don’t be afraid…!” (Luke 12:7)
APPLICATION: Consider this…
What a God! How foolish to think I can get by with sin!!! (Romans 6:23a)
What a God! How foolish to think I cannot trust His care!!! (Romans 6:23b)
I can depend on the indwelling Holy Spirit to help me live as the Father desires.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you are more than capable of correcting and caring for me. You love me enough to correct me and to protect me. Your loving correction is meant to keep me from experiencing the holy wages of sin. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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