Luke 12:4-5 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 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.
When I first read this Scripture passage I was a bit taken aback. It sounded so heavy. Don’t fear those who kill the body? Sounds like something you SHOULD fear! And then it goes on talking about fearing him who can throw us into hell. Yikes! Which part was worse? They both seem scary!
But if you stop and read these verses in context rather than simply pulling them randomly in a word study on do not fear, you learn there’s more to it than meets the eye. Go figure that pulling verses out of context leaves room for doubt and misunderstanding.
These verses come from warnings from Jesus on rejecting the ways of the Pharisees (one set of Jewish religious leaders). Paul, the Apostle, was originally a Pharisee named Saul who heavily persecuted the early church (Acts 8:1-3; Acts 9:1-2). Not only were the early Christians persecuted by groups like the Pharisees, but many lost their lives for following Christ. The warning in verses 4-5 was meant to strengthen the Christians and remind them that they have an eternal home so there is no need to fear death any longer. These groups who persecuted Christians could do nothing more, so there was nothing to fear from them. Compare that to the One with the authority to toss them into hell and now there’s reason to fear! Jesus is that One verse five refers to. He alone has the authority to do this, not man, not even Satan. Only God.
As believers today it is no different really. We may not die at the hands of religious leaders like the early church, though around the world Christians ARE being persecuted and killed for their faith. But regardless, death to a believer is to be absent from the body and present with God in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8), so there’s no fear. But just like those early Christians, we also should fear the One with authority to judge and send people to hell. Of course, the important thing to remember is that only those not found written in the Book of Life are sent to hell (Revelation 20:15).
To those who have accepted Christ as their Savior there is nothing to fear. To those who have not, today is the day to put your trust in Him. Confess your need for a Savior and accept Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross as the payment for your sins. Turn from sin to Him and be changed.
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