Matthew 10:26 (ESV)
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be
revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
“Have no fear of them.” The paragraph beginning with this verse follows a warning
that believers will be flogged and maligned, yet three times in this paragraph
we are told not to fear. “Have no fear of them” (vs 26). “Do not fear those who
kill the body” (vs 28). “Fear not” (vs 31). Too often fear is our response to
discussions about persecution and spiritual warfare. Why is it that we fear
spirits and people more than we fear God? Could it be because we don’t really
believe that God is all knowing, all powerful, and truly good? Could it be
because we view our faith in terms of ease and comfort instead of faith? Could
it be because the temporal is more real to us than the eternal?
God told Abram not to fear (Gen 15:1). He told Hagar not to fear (Gen
21:17). He told Isaac not to fear (Gen 26:24). He told Moses not to fear (Exo
14:13). He told Joshua (Josh 1:7) and Daniel (Dan 10:19) to “be strong and very
courageous.” An angel told Mary (Lk 1:30), Joseph (Mt 1:20), and the shepherds
not to fear (Lk 2:10). Jesus told his disciples not to fear (Lk 12:32). Someone
recently asked me what one word characterizes Christianity and I responded, “Rest.”
Rest and peace are the opposite of fear. As believers we are called to rest in
Christ. We are called to faith.
When we find ourselves filled with fear it is because the temporal has
filled our vision. That is why I like the old hymn, Be Thou My Vision.
May we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Heb 12:2)
and find rest in him.
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