Thoughts for the Day

‘So have no fear; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops. Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather fear him 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 unperceived by your Father. And even the hairs of your head are all counted. So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.

‘Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before my Father in heaven; but whoever denies me before others, I also will deny before my Father in heaven.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What are you afraid of? Half the people I know are really afraid of spiders! Yet in the UK most spiders are miniscule in comparison to the size of a human being and can't hurt us. It might be different if we were in a jungle. I don't much like earwigs (after spending time in a rental caravan that was infested with them) nor cockroaches (after three years in Cyprus with flying ones - the brown patterns on the tiled floor would suddenly 'move' when the light was put on at night!), but I can't say I fear them. Many people, however, are terrified of death, or perhaps I should say of dying, and many can find this preying on their minds as they get older.

In today's short passage from Matthew's Gospel Jesus tells his disciples three times not to be afraid. He imparts wisdom and encouragement to the twelve who will take his message to the world - men who know the terrible risks they face from their own leaders and from the Romans. He reminds them that God values each one of them deeply and will watch over them.

These verses should be a powerful reminder of the strength and protection that comes from having faith in Christ. They should encourage us to trust in God’s love and to face all our very real fears, as well as to proclaim our faith to others without fear. When we place our trust in God and live our lives according to His will, He will provide us with the strength and courage to face any challenge that comes our way. It is a comforting promise that reminds us that we are never alone and that God is always by our side, ready to guide and protect us.

Lord Jesus Christ,
give us the confidence to trust in Your words
whatever our deepest fears.
You taught Your disciples that even the hairs
on their heads had been counted,
and that Your Heavenly Father valued each one of us.
Help us to face our worst fears calmly
knowing that we are loved
and that You are always with us.
Amen.