Fear

Theme: Jesus tells His followers to fear God and not man. In v. 4, Jesus explains who not to fear- those who can only kill the body. In this passage, Jesus is teaching us to recognize the limitations of the unbelievers who are persecuting Christians. In v. 5, Jesus explains Whom we are to fear- God, the One Who has the authority to cast into hell. Jesus wants us to recognize God's boundless authority. There is joy in fearing God and many blessings come from the proper fear of the Lord. In vv. 6-7, Jesus gives words of comfort to those who fear God. When we fear God, we should fear nothing else. We need to recognize God's care and concern for us. Do we fear God or man? As the people of God, we are called to fear God alone, living free of fear of man or anything else. Let us live lives of peace and comfort, knowing the all supreme King of Kings and Lord of Lords knows all and cares for us!