Daily Word

God’s treasure | Matthew 10:26-31

26 “But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all. 27 What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!

28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

Matthew 10:26-31 (NLT)

Continued instruction

As Jesus continues His sending and instructing of the disciples, He wants to encourage them to not fear. In particular, they don’t need to fear those who oppose them and even persecute them. He tells us why and tells us what (who) to properly fear. 

A time is coming

“A time is coming…” What time is Jesus talking about when He says, “A time is coming…”? Since He says “everything” and “all” (v26), it must be a big event, one that all people of all time will be present for. Most commentators believe it refers to the final judgment. There will be a final reckoning of all that’s been said and done. So the persecuted disciples need to trust and wait for that day. Not so much that their enemies will be punished, but that their suffering will be rewarded with glory. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Fear God, not man

Disciples of Jesus are not to fear man for what they can do to them (us). Though their persecution of us may hurt physically or emotionally, it can’t affect our eternal destiny. We would do well to fear the only ONE who can affect our eternal destiny, God. 

But what does it mean to fear Him? In this situation, it’s a fear of Him for what He can do to those who reject Him. He can send those to eternal punishment. But there’s another way to fear God. The believer’s fear is reverence of God (Hebrews 12:28-29). It’s understanding His hatred of sin and knowing that He disciplines His children when we sin (which may involve pain) in order to correct our behavior so we do not sin again. This enables us to keep in proper relationship with Him. For more, click here.

God’s treasure

But Jesus is not only talking about fearing God for reasons of judgment. He wants us to also fear Him for who He is – the awesome Creator, ruler and sustainer of all things. The Great Almighty King! He wants His followers to know that this same Almighty God is also loving and caring. God cares even for a sparrow. He certainly cares for us. We are valuable treasures to God. Can you believe that? Check out this list of “Who am I in Christ”.

RЯeflection

  • If you do not have a relationship with God, you should fear death. To get information on having a proper relationship with God, click here.
  • Fellow followers of Christ, have you thought about our awesome God and how He cares for us, for you? Take some time to ponder this thought. Respond in worship and praise. Sing if you will.
Sparrow in someone’s hands. Image from Pxfuel.com

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