Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Mathew 10:28 – 31

“So, don’t be afraid.”  I cannot even begin to recount the number of times that I grasped this phrase and, like a blanket, wrapped my head in it!  I discovered that being a follower of Jesus is the most wonderful thing imaginable.  Blessings pour in constantly.

However, it is a way of life that, but for the empowering of the Holy Spirit, is not even remotely possible.  So once again, we have these dual realities, new life to be enjoyed in Christ and new battles to be fought with Him.

Following Jesus is the most glorious thing, it is also the most daunting.  These are twin realities in the life of all believers.

We go on with the words of our Good Shepherd ringing in our ears, “Do not be afraid.”  This phrase appears here in these few verses three times.  Jesus knows what these disciples will meet so he is encouraging them.

Those of us who are disciples cling to this promise and, behold, in my 89^th year of life, it is the only way.  I speak for all of us, spread across this planet, and for those who have gone on before us.  “Do not be afraid.”  And for all who will embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, forever.