December 13, 2024
Fear not, little flock, for it is your
Father’s good pleasure to
give you the kingdom.
When we read the Bible, we might think it tells us that fear is irrational. But such a notion couldn’t be further from the truth. The Scriptures repeatedly tell us not to fear exactly because there are so many reasons to be afraid. However, there is a lot of comfort for
us Jesus followers packed into the sixteen words Jesus speaks in Luke 12:32.
Why shouldn’t you be afraid?
You have someone watching over you. You are part of the flock of God’s own sheep. You have Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leading, and tending you. He has given his life for you. He has overcome all that seeks to harm us. And when you stray or flee, he forsakes the ninety-nine to find you and return you to the fold.
You don’t need to be afraid.
You have a Father who loves you. He has promised that nothing can separate you from his love because of what Jesus has done for you. And he takes great pleasure in giving you all these good gifts. You don’t need to be afraid.
You have been gifted the kingdom of God. This isn’t just entrance into heaven. You have been given the kingdom itself. You have been given Jesus. He belongs to you, and you belong to him. This is God’s gift to the world.
You have someone watching over you. You are part of the flock of God’s own sheep. You have Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leading, and tending you. He has given his life for you. He has overcome all that seeks to harm us. And when you stray or flee, he forsakes the ninety-nine to find you and return you to the fold.
You don’t need to be afraid.
You have a Father who loves you. He has promised that nothing can separate you from his love because of what Jesus has done for you. And he takes great pleasure in giving you all these good gifts. You don’t need to be afraid.
You have been gifted the kingdom of God. This isn’t just entrance into heaven. You have been given the kingdom itself. You have been given Jesus. He belongs to you, and you belong to him. This is God’s gift to the world.
Is there much to fear in this world? Yes. But all of it has been "swallowed up" in the good gifts of God’s promises.
What an indescribable GIFT!!
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