Fear Not…God is In Control!
In Luke chapter 12:4-7 Jesus warns that we need to remember who is in control. Sometimes, it may seem to us that certain people control the world around us. Or perhaps, with the increase in evil, we may be tempted to think that Satan is somehow currently in control. But, Jesus reminds us taht God is the One that is always in control.
If we lose perspective, it may be a temptation for us to give up. Jesus was speaking to people who would have their lives threatened. He did not tell them that it was ok then to give up–after all, you might lose your life. Instead, He gave them some perspective on life. Those people who can kill your physical body have very little real power. I know that it may be hard for us to view things from that perspective, but Jesus was pointing His audience toward eternity. We need to have a “view toward eternity” as well.
If we give in now, then we face a far greater horror than just losing our physical lives. We face the One Who has the power to punish eternally, not just physically. He is the One Who can cast us into Hell for eternal punishment.
But, we should not have to fear this punishment, if we are obedient to God. In fact, in the same verses, Jesus speaks of the sparrows which are sold in the market place, and they are not forgotten by God. How can we not be comforted by the fact that God knows when a bird is sold or killed, and He values us far more than the birds? He will not forget us.
We may have to suffer as Christians. The scriptures teach that all who are faithful will suffer persecution. Wickedness around us continues to increase. But, we can and should be comforted by the fact that God is in control, and He will not forget us. This is the message of the book of Revelation to the first century Christians. God would be there for them throughout their tribulation, helping them to be successful. In the end, He would take them to an eternal home with Him in Heaven. That is the same goal we need to stay focused on. Serve God first, and He will certainly take care of you!
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2 Comments »
Laura said :
January 24, 2009 at 11:53 pm
That reminds me of my friend who once gave an exhortation talking about “putting on your forever glasses.” Whenever things seem like they’re too much, just put on your forever glasses and look at it from an eternal viewpoint, and things start to look a lot more manageable.
Stephanie said :
January 25, 2009 at 2:51 pm
^^ I love that “forever glasses” never heard it expressed that way. What a comfort and consolation to know that man is NOT in control.