Daily Encouragementنموونە

Afraid, that is, of men who oppose the Lord’s servants, even to the point of death. We are to be on guard against them, but we are not ultimately to be afraid of them. Our Lord gives us some cogent reasons in this chapter as to why we have no need to fear them.

Their attitude is not surprising. Disciples will receive the same treatment as their Lord. “It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master” (verse 25).

They cannot hide. Evil will out. “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known” (verse 26).

They cannot touch “the real you.” “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (verse 28).

They do not understand the value which the Lord sets on his people or his intimate knowledge and care of them. Every sparrow is in his hand, let alone every individual saint. “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (verse 31).

There are many places in the world where the temptation to fear such opposition, including arrest and death for “the gospel’s sake,“ is a daily reality. There is no place where it may not come. Contemplation of the Saviour’s words is a bulwark against such fear.