READ: Zechariah 11-12; Proverbs 29; Revelation 19
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 29: 25 Fear of man will prove to be a
snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
OBSERVATION: Humans express
fear when facing dangers or threats. Some say that humans are born with fear at
the time of birth itself. In today's world, we see our society gripped by fear
for various reasons such as diseases, financial situations, political factors, terrorism,
etc. Modern science tells us about various types of fear and diseases caused by
fear. The Bible tells us of two types of fear: fear of man and fear of God. In our
society, especially in India, we see that people are following various customs
and practices for the sake of others, fearing what others might say or think.
But the Bible says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare.”
Sadly, in many churches, we see how
"fear of man" affects sermons and Christian characteristics and
practices. Fear of man may lead us to compromise our Christian ideals. Instead
of obeying God’s word and guidance, those who have “fear of man” would try to
please people. The Bible says of many men who had “fear of man” and did wrong things.
For example, see what King Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned. I violated the
Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid of the men and so I gave in
to them” (1 Sam.15:24). Thus, “fear of man” becomes a snare for many, even
godly people. As many people think, fear of God is not fearing God and doing
things in fear; it is trusting him for everything and obeying him in love. In Proverbs,
we see many benefits of the fear of the LORD (1:7; 9:10; 10:27; 14:27; 15:33;
18:10; 19:23; 22:4;
28:26).
Those who have “fear of the Lord”
find God’s protection and provision; those who have "fear of man"
entangle themselves in a snare. We should not allow any worldly and social
fears or peer pressures to impact us on making decisions or doing something in
our lives. In any situation, we must remember what the apostles said to the
intimidating Jews, “We must obey God rather than human beings!” (Acts 5:29). When
we begin to trust God, no matter what day
of a year or whatever our age may be, we will start to see great things in our
lives.
APPLICATION: Lord Jesus Christ
has taught me about whom I should fear (Mt.10:28; Luke:12:4,5). When I fear
God, I need not fear for anything. Periodically I must ask myself that “Am I now trying to win the approval of human
beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?" As apostle Paul
writes, "If I were still trying to
please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Gal.1:10). The fear of the Lord delivers me from “fear of
man.” The Spirit that God gives me does not “make me timid,” but gives me
“power, love and self-discipline” (2 Tim.1:7).
PRAYER: Father God, thank
you for your love that makes me your child and dispels any fear. Jesus, thank
you for the peace that you give me. Holy Spirit, help me to overcome any fear
and obey God always. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 362
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