Daily Scripture:
Luke 12:1
Meanwhile, as a crowd in the tens of thousands gathered so closely as to trample each other down, Yeshua began to say to his talmidim first, “Guard yourselves from the hametz of the P’rushim, by which I mean their hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing covered up that will not be uncovered, or hidden that will not become known. 3 What you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops.
4 “My friends, I tell you: don’t fear those who kill the body but then have nothing more they can do. 5 I will show you whom to fear: fear him who after killing you has authority to throw you into Gei-Hinnom! Yes, I tell you, this is the one to fear! 6 Aren’t sparrows sold for next to nothing, five for two assarions? And not one of them has been forgotten by God. 7 Why, every hair on your head has been counted! Don’t be afraid, you are worth more than many sparrows.
8 “Moreover, I tell you, whoever acknowledges me in the presence of others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels. 9 But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before God’s angels. 10 Also, everyone who says something against the Son of Man will have it forgiven him; but whoever has blasphemed the Ruach HaKodesh will not be forgiven.
11 “When they bring you before the synagogues and the ruling powers and the authorities, don’t worry about how you will defend yourself or what you will say; 12 because when the time comes, the Ruach HaKodesh will teach you what you need to say.”
(Complete Jewish Bible).
Reflection Questions:
N. T. Wright clarified the spiritual nature of what Jesus identified as the greatest danger for his followers: “They mustn’t be afraid of mere mortal enemies. The real enemy is the one who longs to cast people into Gehenna (‘Gehenna’was the name of Jerusalem’s smouldering rubbish-heap, and the word was already in use as an image of hell-fire). This cannot mean that one should fear God, though in some senses that is a good and right thing to do. It means that one should recognize who the ultimate enemy is. In this picture, God is not the enemy to be feared; he is one to trust, the one who values his children more highly than a whole flock of sparrows, who has the very hairs of our head all numbered.”* It is important not to choose means of seeking earthly safety that imperil our loyalty to Jesus' ways.
Lord Jesus, when I feel afraid, turn my thoughts to the truth that, as your child, I am always, at all times, held safely in your mighty eternal arms. Amen.
Family Activity
Read Psalm 91:1-2(Psalm 91:
N. T. Wright clarified the spiritual nature of what Jesus identified as the greatest danger for his followers: “They mustn’t be afraid of mere mortal enemies. The real enemy is the one who longs to cast people into Gehenna (‘Gehenna’was the name of Jerusalem’s smouldering rubbish-heap, and the word was already in use as an image of hell-fire). This cannot mean that one should fear God, though in some senses that is a good and right thing to do. It means that one should recognize who the ultimate enemy is. In this picture, God is not the enemy to be feared; he is one to trust, the one who values his children more highly than a whole flock of sparrows, who has the very hairs of our head all numbered.”* It is important not to choose means of seeking earthly safety that imperil our loyalty to Jesus' ways.
- Christians have always wrestled with how to apply Jesus' teaching most ethically—and have not reached unanimity. From all-out pacifism to those who apply “just war” ethics not only to national actions but to personal or neighborhood safety, the range of ideas can create tension and conflict. But at a minimum, Jesus said he didn’t want his followers to live in fear, or make their choices by trusting in human strength rather than God’s eternal faithfulness. As a volunteer member of Resurrection’s Security Team said, “We see ourselves as a tool for God to use (if he chooses) to protect his flock.” Think prayerfully about where you put your greatest trust for “security.” If you find any disconnect from Jesus' teaching and model, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into a deeper connection to the Savior’s principles.
Lord Jesus, when I feel afraid, turn my thoughts to the truth that, as your child, I am always, at all times, held safely in your mighty eternal arms. Amen.
Family Activity
Read Psalm 91:1-2(Psalm 91:
1 You who live in the shelter of ‘Elyon,
who spend your nights in the shadow of Shaddai,
2 who say to Adonai, “My refuge! My fortress!
My God, in whom I trust!” —
(Complete Jewish Bible).). We can always trust God, even amid disappointment, fear, uncertainty as well as joy. Gather as a family in a favorite room in your home. Talk about why that room is a favorite. Is it extra comfortable? Does it have more lighting? Now, move together to the least favorite room in your home (maybe the garage or laundry room). Discuss why it is the least favorite. Is it the dirtiest or the darkest? Return to the comfortable room, and talk about where each person experiences God’s presence most deeply. Ask each person to choose one uncomfortable or unfamiliar place this week to spend a bit of time and to remember God is always present with everyone, everywhere and in every situation. Thank God in prayer for always being with you and your family.
* N. T. Wright, Luke for Everyone. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2004, pp. 149-150.
Read today's Insight by Lori TruppLori Trupp is the Director of Children’s Ministries at Resurrection Leawood.
Is it just me, or do we live in a culture that LOVES to tell us how afraid of things we should be? Advertisers use fear to get us to buy their products. Politicians use fear to get our vote. The media uses fear to get ratings. We use fear to parent. It is fear that causes us to put people into categories with labels, marking them as people we should be afraid of and avoid.
Personally, I have found that this is not really an enjoyable way to live. I would argue that we are way too saved and free to live in a culture of fear! In fact, the phrases “do not be afraid” and “fear not” are mentioned over 80 times in Scripture. I think God may have been on to something!
What if, instead of building a culture of fear, we built a culture of belonging, of blessing, of grace, of celebration? A culture built on acceptance, forgiveness, encouragement, and care? What if we looked at the world as a place to experience the joy and wonder of God’s incredible, amazing and unique creation?
Some would argue that this is unrealistic thinking, Pollyanna even. I would argue that it’s Biblical. Our marching orders are to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37,39)
How can we do this if we are living in a culture of fear? It simply isn’t possible. Now I’m not suggesting there aren’t things to be afraid of, that there isn’t danger in the world. Of course there is. What I am suggesting is that we no longer start from a place of fear and allow fear to make our decisions for us. I suggest that we believe it when God says, “Do not be afraid,” that we see the world with new eyes. Change our perspective. Shift our mindset.
I like to drink tea in the evening before I go to bed. A few nights ago, this quote was on my teabag: “When you look at a field of dandelions, you can either see a hundred weeds, or a thousand wishes.” When you look at the world, what do you see? What do you want others to see? Weeds or wishes? Fear or something else, something better? It’s up to you.
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You might also like:
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- “If only you knew… the things that lead to peace”
- Pray for your enemies
- Jesus' way did not depend on armed conflict
- Or download this week's printable GPS.
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Scripture quotations are taken from The Common English Bible ©2011.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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