Jesus tells us what we need to be afraid of: “Do 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” (Matthew 10:28). We have lots of fears: Sickness, persecution, violence, accidents, heartache… Jesus’ words are meant to be a comforting reminder. While those dangers can kill your body, they can’t kill your soul. Don’t be afraid!
So what do we really need to be afraid of? “Be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Who’s that? At first, we might think it’s the devil. Too often, we see cartoons of the devil as the king of hell. That’s not true! The devil isn’t the king of hell. He’s suffering in hell and wants you to suffer with him. Who’s really the One who controls who goes to heaven or hell? God!
The One whom people really need to fear is God. If you’re living your life right now against God and his Word, be afraid. If you’re covering up sin and rebelling against God’s commands, be afraid. If you’ve decided to follow your ways and your plans and your thoughts instead of God’s, be afraid. Life won’t end up well for those who reject Jesus. “Be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
Yet, that same God who decides our eternal fate is the One who suffered, died, and rose to win for us eternal life. Isn’t that amazing grace? The One with the power to send us to hell is the One with the grace to give eternal life to all who believe in Jesus. If the only person we really need to fear is Jesus, and Jesus has shown his undying love for us, whom do we need to fear? Nothing. All those fears and worries we have? They can only hurt the body. They cannot hurt your soul. You are safe with the One—Jesus! So honor Him. Respect Him. Fear Him. And learn to love the security and peace of his amazing grace.
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