5 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 15:1–16:23
John 8:1-20
Psalm 110:1-7
Proverbs 15:8-10
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
1 Samuel 15:24 (NLT): “Then Saul admitted to Samuel, ‘Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.'”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“He who truly fears God fears no man.”
I think that most Christians in America would acknowledge that we are walking farther and farther into a post-Christian, even an anti-Christian culture. It will become increasingly difficult to hold to and comply with truths that the Christian community has embraced since the New Testament was written.
If we are not careful, we will fear people more than we “fear” God. (To understand “the fear of the Lord” a little better, you can read my blog from a few days ago by clicking here.)
What will it look like if we are motivated to disobey and abandon God because we fear people? Simply read Matthew 26:69-75 and see how Peter became fearful as he was accused three times of being one of Jesus’ disciples. Because he (in that moment) feared people more than he feared God, Peter rejected that he knew Jesus three times and was overcome with guilt and shame as he wept bitterly.
We are so glad to read in John 21:15-19 that Jesus graciously reached out to Peter and pulled him back into good standing with Him. Yet, wouldn’t it be wonderful if Peter had never rejected Jesus in the first place?
Friend, we are moving into a time when claiming allegiance to King Jesus and complying with His teachings will get us into trouble. Whether we crumble under the pressure or stand strong and courageous will, to a great extent, depend upon whether we fear God more than we fear people.
Don’t be like Saul. Don’t fear people because it will cause you to disobey God. Instead, fear God and live a life that causes people to take notice. Who’s to say how your life might be used of the Lord to draw people to Himself when they see someone stand so courageously for Jesus.
1 Samuel 15:24 (NLT): “Then Saul admitted to Samuel, ‘Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded.'”
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 