People can be afraid of many things. We can be afraid of what people think of us. Some fear getting old or being alone. We can fear the future; we can even be afraid of the past. We can be afraid of the state of the economy and what will happen to us. We can be afraid of the state of our health. We can fear what may happen to someone in our family.
Jesus tells his followers: "I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.” Luke 12:4. Have no fear. Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples.
Israel was faced by enemies at two different levels. There were the obvious ones that we all know about: Rome, Herod, their underlings and henchmen. They were the ones who had the power to kill the body. Not that Herod, or even Rome, are the most dangerous enemies they have. Jesus’ disciples would have to be wise in what they said, but they must not be afraid of mere mortal enemies. The real enemy is the one who longs to cast people into Gehenna.
There are enemies at a far darker level, enemies who had the power to kill the soul as well. N.T. Wright says this: “There were other, darker enemies, who had the power to kill the soul as well: enemies who were battling for that soul even now, during Jesus’ ministry, and who were using the more obvious enemies as cover. The demonic powers are greedy for the soul of God’s people.”
As C.S. Lewis noted in the “Screwtape Letters,” our modern society does not believe in the existence of this kind of evil, and once people no longer appreciate the existence of the accuser, the satan, then that is when he does his worst.
As Peter says in his letter, “Be clearheaded. Keep alert. Your adversary, the devil, is on the prowl like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. And he uses fear to separate us from God.
Jesus tells us do not be afraid, and he reminds us that we are in God’s hands. Listen to Jesus who has the power to overcome evil and did it by His cross and resurrection. God is always holding us. Protecting us.
What are you afraid of?
