Do not fear those who kill the body...
So in the light of current political undercurrents and the constant issue of security and terrorism that has become a part of daily life not only for Americans but the whole world, it's very easy to fear that which we know must come but we still hesitate to embrace. Perhaps it's because we want life to continue as it is, imperfect as it may be. Perhaps we fear the unknown more than we trust God. As I read about those who scramble to liquify their assets, purchase property and start vegetable gardens in preparation of the proposed coming financial depression in our country, my heart is filled with dread. Then God reminded me of these verses:
Matthew 24:3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" 4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,[a]' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Certainly we are familiar with wars and rumors of wars. Certainly it's easy for us to believe that "the end" is on our very tails. Perhaps "the end" will come in my lifetime or the next. Who can imagine how much evil will exist before that day comes. But which day drives us, "the end" of our current lifestyle as the wealthy, blessed, free? The other end, the end described in verse 14 should provide a sense of eternal hope for those who trust in Jesus as their Savior. We cannot stop either end from coming as God's Word warns us.
When my heart constricts in thinking of these things, I try to remind myself that this life is not all there is anyways. Why am I worrying about tomorrow when all my tomorrows for eternity are already secured by the One who took hold of me?
Matthew 10:26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny[d]? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Even so Lord, come quickly.
Matthew 24:3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" 4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Christ,[a]' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains. 9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but he who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Certainly we are familiar with wars and rumors of wars. Certainly it's easy for us to believe that "the end" is on our very tails. Perhaps "the end" will come in my lifetime or the next. Who can imagine how much evil will exist before that day comes. But which day drives us, "the end" of our current lifestyle as the wealthy, blessed, free? The other end, the end described in verse 14 should provide a sense of eternal hope for those who trust in Jesus as their Savior. We cannot stop either end from coming as God's Word warns us.
When my heart constricts in thinking of these things, I try to remind myself that this life is not all there is anyways. Why am I worrying about tomorrow when all my tomorrows for eternity are already secured by the One who took hold of me?
Matthew 10:26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny[d]? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. 32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. 33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Even so Lord, come quickly.
posted by Karen | 10:30 AM
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