Whom Should You Fear?

Ref. Luke 12:4-7 As of this article, a third innocent man, David Haines of Great Britain, has been beheaded by a masked monster with a British accent. The two executed before David Haines were Americans, James Foley and Steven Sotloff. I can’t help but wonder about the terror the three went through up to the moment the blade was put to their necks and they were slain; but Jesus said something very intriguing on the subject of fear and of being killed: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.”

Can do no more? It would seem that even the worst that man can do to another still has its limits. But it is natural for us to think that nothing like what the three went through could be worse. Jesus knew that many of his disciples would be killed in a variety of gruesome ways, yet they were not to fear their slayer. Now I don’t know if the three who were killed were Christians, and I’m not suggesting that they were martyrs, but it would seem that their only crime was that of not being aligned with the beliefs of their captors; and their deaths might even be considered more tragic than those of any Christian martyr.

“But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.” Jesus’ perspective might offend a lot of good people today—especially in the light world tragedies, terrorism and beheadings; but what Jesus goes on to say might be of comfort to some:  “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.  Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

No matter what suffering or terror one might face, God cares; and you too can be sure that God has not forgotten you.