Displeasing People but Pleasing God
Matthew 10:26, 28, 31 Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
Story (by Hannah Ross): Talking to people about Jesus can be quite scary, and Jesus knows this. But in Matthew 10, Jesus sends His disciples to speak with their countrymen (v. 5-6). 3 times, Jesus tells His disciples not to fear people and how they may respond. Being truth-tellers of Jesus requires them to be bold, and speak out in public, rather than quietly hiding it (v. 26-27). People only have a limited capacity for giving pain and suffering but God doesn’t have those same limits. Pleasing people but displeasing God winds up costing more than displeasing people but pleasing God (v. 28). Funny story about sparrows – I had imagined that this referred to castle towers. I don’t know why, but I now know that Jesus is talking about tiny birds in v. 31. A sparrow is worth very little, but still has God’s concern. The disciples are not to fear what people will do in response to their message because each of the disciples is very valuable to God (v. 31).
My Prayer Response: Father, thank You for this truth to correct my thinking. I would rather please You than people. Help me to live this out, to put this into practice – even today. That in the moment when I’m tempted to be afraid of what someone might say or think in response, that I fear You, that I make my aim to honor and serve You above all else.
May God’s hand be upon you today!