Do Not Be Afraid

 

 Matthew 10: 26-33

We Are Worth More than Many Sparrows

²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ 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. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.

Three times in this short passage Jesus tells us not to be afraid. Rightly so, for fear of criticism,  rejection or worse, either consciously or unconsciously often force us into the shadows or hidden corners where we think we will be safe.  Jesus advises just the opposite and assures us that being worth more than many sparrows cared for so lovingly by the Father, He will certainly take care of us. Let us reflect on our behavior and if we find it less than fearless, then let us pray for the courage and fearlessness that we find lacking. Such a prayer is a first step.

Bro, Rene

Dear God, I am too often weak and afraid.  Give me the grace to cast fear aside and to rely on your power and strength, not mine. Amen.