Verse: Matthew 10:28-31
“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. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”
Devotion:
Ok, kind of an intense passage. Here, Jesus is speaking directly to His disciples, preparing them for the challenges they will face in their mission. He acknowledges the reality of fear—fear of persecution, fear of loss, and even fear of death. Yet, He encourages them to shift their focus from the fears of this world to the eternal perspective of God’s sovereignty and care. He’s speaking to his disciples, but also still to us today. He’s urging us to shift our perspective to a big kingdom mindset.
Jesus reminds us that while our physical bodies are vulnerable, our souls are eternally secure in the hands of our Father, once we come to know Him. This radical perspective invites us to reconsider what truly matters and what we have to fear. Who or what do we fear most? Is it the opinions of others? The potential for suffering? Not being in control? Jesus calls us to a deeper understanding: the only One we should truly revere is God, who possesses authority over both body and soul.
In the midst of this truth, Jesus provides us a comforting assurance too. He compares us to sparrows—small, seemingly insignificant creatures sold for a mere penny. Yet, He emphasizes that not one of them falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge. If God cares for them, how much more does He care for us? We are valued beyond measure; each hair on our head is known to Him. This intimate knowledge reflects His deep, abiding love.
Take a few minutes to be still and reflect with the Lord this morning. Reflect on your own fears and what pulls your attention away from God. What are the worries that weigh on your heart? Bring them before God in prayer, lay them at His feet. Give Him your concerns but also your desire to trust in His care and authority over your life. Let His steadfastness and love wash over you today. He knows every hair on your head, just as He knows every worry in your heart. Come before Him today and let your Father take care of you.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the assurance that I am valuable in Your sight. Thank you for knowing me so intimately and deeply. Help me to release my fears into Your hands and trust in Your perfect plan for my life. Help me to find comfort in knowing that You care for me, even in the midst of trials. Teach me to fear You above all else and to walk in faith, believing that You are with me always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author: Becca Artymenko
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