FEAR GOD, NOT MAN!

MATTHEW 10: 28-31 NKJ 
28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.    

Jesus was teaching His disciples before He sent them into the nation of Israel.  He was also speaking prophetically when He foretold the persecution that was coming their way.   

But His key point was to have them unafraid of people and have a greater respect for God. People may take your life, but they can not determine your eternal destiny.   

Jesus then shifts to talk about how amazing God's knowledge and grasp of even the tiny details of life. 

Two sparrows were worth very little in the Jewish value system.  And yet God knew when one sparrow fell to the ground.  Taking it a step further, in God's amazing knowledge, He knows how many hairs are on your head.  That information does not appear to be valuable, but it does give us greater understanding as to the scope of God's knowledge. 

If God knows when a sparrow falls.  If God knows the number of hairs on our heads.  Then we can take comfort knowing that He knows what is taking place in our lives.  And He counts us as much more valuable than sparrows.  So, if there is anyone we should be conscious of pleasing, it's God, not man.  The one we hold in the highest esteem is God, not man.  No man comes close to the power, wisdom, knowledge, and compassion of our Heavenly Father.  Therefore, He is first and foremost in our hearts and minds.   

APPLICATION 

We can develop in the fear and respect of God.  This is a learned behavior based on what we see from scriptures on who God is revealed to be.  We then take that knowledge and personalize it in our walk with Him.  It's good to tell God we trust and respect Him more than any person.  We can add that to our prayers and praise.  It may seem a bit awkward at first, but as we continue, we become more comfortable.  And it's worth the effort and any minimal discomfort.  After all, who is greater and more important than Him? 

PRAYER 

Thank You, Father.  I respect and trust You more than anyone.  You know me and everything I am going through.  You have answers, and You care.  There is no one like You.