Tuesday, 10^th October 2023

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

TOPIC: NEVER BE AFRAID OF MEN

THEME SCRIPTURE: And I say to you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.” – Luke 12:4

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Why do we get afraid or intimidated by men sometimes?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, as the Bible says (Prov 9:10). But scripture always warns us against the fear of man. The fear of man brings a snare, but the one who puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe (Prov 29:25). King Saul was chosen to be king over Israel. But because he feared the people, he sinned against God and transgressed His commandment (1 Sam 15:24). There is a huge danger to fearing man as a disciple of Christ. Hence, Jesus warned us about this danger (Luke 12:4).

Any time we have fear for man (or we are afraid to be ourselves because of a man), we are exposed to the danger of denying the faith or failing to maintain expressed conviction.

Isn’t it the case that the pressure of men often causes people to “go along to get along”? Jesus was clear in His instructions, explaining that the worst that man can do to us is to kill us. They can only kill the body, and after that, there is no more that they can do. Men have limited capacity to help or hurt us. So, why fear them? However, there is one whom we must fear (or respect and honor), and that is God. Jesus emphasized that it is God alone who can kill and also cast into hell (Luke 12:5). Yes! So, fear God.

Beloved, what is so beautiful in Jesus’ admonishing on this subject is that He pointed out that the one who fears God will find a God who cares for His own (Luke 12:6-7). Jesus talked about how valuable we are to God, such that even though men could kill the body, God will always be there for us to keep us safe. God does not abandon or forget even the small sparrow, of which five are sold for two copper coins. How then can He forget His own when men threaten their lives?

If every single hair on our heads has been coded by God, then this suggests that the very little things in our lives are important to God. How much more matters that threaten our lives?

Precious one, Jesus instructed us never to fear man for a reason. He knew that men could make it difficult for us to freely confess Jesus in the marketplace, in schools, in offices, or in our homes. He knew that men would attempt to intimidate His disciples to quench their confessions. But His admonishment is that we dare not yield to the intimidation of men. Jesus warned, “Whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God” (Luke 12:8-9).

Beloved, value people because they were created in the image of God. But never be afraid of them, because they are nothing without the help of God.

Are you a child of God? Don’t let anyone make it difficult to freely express your faith. Are you an evangelist and also a professional? Do not be ashamed to let your colleagues know who you are and the heart of Christ. In your family, are you the only one who has turned to Christ? Be proud of it because you are the redeemed of the Lord. Be bold before men with your faith because God has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So that we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me” (Heb 13:5-6). Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Luke 12:4-12

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Do you sometimes get intimidated or afraid to speak as a Christian or reveal that you are a child of God?
2. Is it that you see yourself as less valuable compared to those around you or do you feel intimidated by them? How are you going to change that?

 

CONFESSION

Precious Jesus, you are my Lord and Master. I dare not deny you anymore before men. Today, I have received the boldness of the Spirit to make known my Lord wherever I go. I affirm that I will always be in charge whenever I stand to proclaim Christ. I am not afraid of what man can do. Glory to God!

 

1-Year Reading Plan

1 Chronicles 27; Ezekiel 36; John 1