David Bahn – Reflections

Matthew 10:24-33

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.

²⁶“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. ²⁷What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. ²⁸And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. ³⁰But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. ³² So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, ³³but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Some say, “Don’t let ’em see you sweat.” That’s probably good advise for the corporate world in the face of a hostile take-over. It may be good advise when facing an angry dog. It could be good advise when seeking to negotiating a car purchase. But before God the best advise is to fear God: He’s the One who can kill body and soul in hell.

We don’t like to think about hell and eternal suffering of body and soul. We don’t often even want to think in terms of fearing God; we would much rather think of God as a kindly grandfather-type who will always have a kind word and comforting welcome. Indeed the biblical view of God does show him to be a gracious and welcoming Father (Luke 15) who rejoices when one sinner repents of his sins. But that’s only part of the reality of God’s being. The biblical revelation of God tells us that he is a “consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29); a jealous God (Exodus 20:5); one who is to be feared (v.28). Isaiah’s encounter with God left him in repentant confession, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:1-7).

An attitude of fear before God is a good and godly attitude toward him according to Jesus. There are times when a holy fear of God will stand us in good stead; we may in fact be compelled to resist temptation for fear of God’s righteous judgment. But that is not the whole of it. In this passage, Jesus also reminds us of our value before God (v. 31). Even the call to fear God is a reminder of God’s ultimate authority even over God’s enemies. His triumph over evil, deception, persecution and God’s enemies is sure. When we stand with him we need not fear for our well-being; he will keep us eternally safe.