People have many fears and phobias in life. One of the most common fears is “arachnophobia” the fear of spiders. Some refuse to travel by air due to “aviophobia” the fear of flying. The list of phobias runs long and there are many common and uncommon fears. Most phobias are more psychological and the thing or things feared presents limited real danger to the person. However, in their mind the fear is very real and causes anxiety and stress sometimes even symptoms of illness. Many Christians and churches suffer from “tropophobia” the fear of moving or making changes. Another fear is “glossophobia” or the fear of speaking. For some this is manifest as a fear of public speaking, for others it is a fear of speaking in general.
Jesus instructs his disciples in Matthew 10:26 “So have no fear of them…” He tells them not to fear those who will persecute and bring them to trial for speaking in his name. The disciples had reason to fear them. They would persecute them, beat them and even put many of them to death. History records that the Apostles died martyrs deaths because of their witness for Jesus, and Jesus is telling them “not to fear.”
In verse 27 Jesus instructs his disciples to proclaim what he has taught them. To declare from the rooftops, to boldly share the message of the kingdom. His message is for sharing in the light and on the rooftops. The equivalent of the porches in the western world.
“And do not fear those who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can kill both body and soul in hell.” (Matthew 10:28) Jesus message to his disciples is one of eternity. He goes on and describes how the father watches over all of his created beings. Death never occurs without the father watching. The only death his followers are to fear is the death of the soul which occurs when separated from God throughout eternity.
in light of the words of Jesus most of the common fears and phobias hold little weight in life. Most fears and phobias are not founded in real danger. Jesus tells his disciples not to fear death in order to share the message of the kingdom.
Consider the fear keeping most believers today from sharing the message of the kingdom. Fear of speaking, fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of not being accepted. Now compare the consequences of the fear and being separated from God throughout eternity and the resulting death of the soul.
Share the message of the kingdom of God without fear!
God words Pastor my prayer is that I will have no fear in sharing His gospel with anyone and everyone. Thank you.