Wouldn’t it be nice if fear took a holiday; maybe a permanent vacation even? Well, that kind of depends on what kind of fear we are talking about, doesn’t it? There is a fear that cripples. But there is also a fear that motivates. There is a fear that terrorizes. But there is also a fear that bolsters. So, let me tell you a tale of two fears. There once was a man who feared rejection. So much so, that he allowed others to dictate his beliefs and actions. The problem was that expectations shift and change depending on the times and the group you surround yourself with. And if fear of rejection drives you, you will have to shift and change so much that you may lose yourself. There once was a woman who feared God. God doesn’t change; he doesn’t wake up one morning and realize he is out of touch with the times. He is the I Am; the times are encompassed in his will. This fear is the realization of holiness; of glory; of righteousness.
Luke 12:4-7 is all about fear. Jesus said in this short passage “Don’t fear; fear; don’t fear.” The first “don’t fear” is a command not to fear those who can kill the body. It is important not to trivialize this. This is a common fear. It is a hard command to observe. Overall, this passage is about confessing Jesus in spite of the leaven of the Pharisees. They may threaten; they may even kill the body. But after that, they have no authority. There is nothing more they can do. What else is there? So much more. Paradoxically, threats to kill are a sign of fear. Fearing those who kill is in fact a giving in to those who fear you; or at least fear what you stand for. Don’t allow fear of death keep you from obeying God! That is the main thought here.
Then Jesus told them whom they should fear: “The one who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into Hell.” There is a hard truth here. This is about God. No one else has the authority to cast anyone into Hell. There is punishment for disobedience. And death is sometimes the punishment. In our emphasizing the love of God (which is a very good thing to emphasize), we may deemphasize the wrath of God; the holiness of God that demands belief. God can and does kill. So does Satan. So does man. But only God can throw people into Hell. The word Hell is the Greek word Gehenna; it comes from the Hebrew words that mean “Valley of Hinnom.” It is a valley found on the west side of Jerusalem, running north-south. It also curves around the south side of Jerusalem. This valley was cursed in Jeremiah 19:1-13 because it was used to burn babies as a sacrifice to the god Baal and for the worship of many other gods. Because it was cursed by God, Jesus and the early Christians picked it up as a place for God’s ultimate judgment. Fear God because his punishment goes beyond death. Jesus even emphasizes this by saying “Yes, I say to you, fear him!” I’m thinking it is a good idea to pay attention when Jesus emphasizes his point.
What is fear? The word used here means everything from terror – crippling anxiety – to respectful fear – awe inspired fear. On the one hand don’t be crippled by your fear that someone may threaten or even kill you. On the other hand, have an awed fear of a Holy God who has the authority to send you to the cursed valley. Why is this so important? Because who you fear determines who you listen to. When my son was about four, one of the gentleman at church was trying to get him to do or stop something. My son did not listen to this gentleman. When I said “Caleb!”, he jumped into action. He understood who had the right to command here. That is what Jesus is saying – understand who has the right to command.
Then Jesus begins to speak about the cost of sparrows. What in the world? Sparrows were considered cheap food. Jesus said that five sparrows could be purchased with two “assarions”, which was a Roman coin worth about 1/16 of a Denarius (a day’s wage). These very cheap sparrows are not forgotten or neglected by God. How much more is God concerned about you? So much so, that God knows how much hair you have (which is not such a great achievement in my case). The point is he cares down to your last hair. So, don’t fear! What? I thought we were supposed to fear God. Don’t be anxious about tomorrow; don’t wonder if the Holy God is on your side; don’t be crippled by anxiety over relationship with the Almighty. He loves you. Respectfully fear him, but don’t be crippled.
Do don’t fear death or those who bring it. They cannot determine what happens next. Be awed by God’s authority. He is in charge of what happens after you die. Respect that authority. But don’t live in fear. If you believe in God; in his good news; you will be saved. You are more valuable than sparrows. God has taken care of everything so that you can live forever. Believe it. Live it. Don’t Fear, Fear, Don’t Fear. Grace.