Episode 153 — Matthew 10:26–33 — Do Not Be Afraid

Hey everybody, welcome to the podcast, I’m Nick and it’s magnificent to be here with you today.
Today is June 2.
Each day, we follow a simple rhythm: Slow Down, Read, Notice, Reread, Meditate, Respond, and Exercise.
Let’s begin.

Slow Down
You are stepping into a sacred space with the intent of meeting Jesus.
He wants to meet with you and spend time with you.
Take this moment to slow down, quiet your mind, and prepare your heart to connect with Him.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath in, then slowly release it.
As you inhale, whisper: “Father, You know me completely.” 
As you exhale, pray: “Let that truth cast out my fear.”
Do this three times, then rest in His presence.

Read
But don’t be afraid of those who threaten you. For the time is coming when everything that is covered will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made known to all.  What I tell you now in the darkness, shout abroad when daybreak comes. What I whisper in your ear, shout from the housetops for all to hear!
“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.  
(Matthew 10:26–33, NLT)

Notice
What stands out to you in this passage? 
Is there a word or phrase that catches your attention? 
Hold it in your heart for a moment.

Reread
Hear these words again — and count how many times Jesus says some version of do not be afraid.

Meditate
Three times in this short passage Jesus tells His disciples not to be afraid. That repetition is not accidental. He knows fear is the primary thing that will silence them - not opposition, not persecution, not the arguments of their opponents. Fear. The fear of what people will think, what people will say, what people will do.
And so He gives them three reasons not to fear.
First: everything hidden will be revealed. The truth doesn't need your protection - it will come to light. Speak it anyway.
Second: the worst that people can do is kill the body. That is terrifying in one sense - but it is not the final word. Fear God, who holds what is truly ultimate, not those who can only touch what is temporary.
Third - and this is the one that undoes everything: not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's knowledge. And you are worth more than many sparrows. Every hair on your head is numbered. You are known that completely, that specifically, that tenderly by the God of the universe.
Fear of people shrinks when the knowledge of God's intimate attention expands. You are not anonymous. You are not overlooked.
You are seen, known, and valued by the One whose opinion is the only one that ultimately matters.
Take a few moments to reflect on this question:
What fear of people is currently silencing me - and how would my life look different if I truly believed that God's knowledge of me is that specific and that tender?

Respond
Father, You know the number of hairs on my head. You see every sparrow. And You see me — completely, specifically, tenderly. Let that truth be bigger today than my fear of what others think or say or do. I don’t want fear to silence what You are calling me to say and be. Cast out my fear with the perfect knowledge of Your love.

Exercise
The rush of life will meet you again when you leave this sacred place—but you can carry this moment into your day by forming new habits.
Habit: Courage Over Fear
Today's habit is an act of courage: identify one thing — one conversation, one step of obedience, one act of faith - that fear of other people's opinions has been preventing you from doing, and do it today.
You don't have to feel fearless. Courage is not the absence of fear - it is the decision to act in spite of it, anchored in the knowledge that God sees you and holds you.
Before you act, pray: "Father, You know me completely. You see every hair on my head. I am not unknown and I am not alone. I choose today to fear You more than I fear people - and I take this step in Your name."

I have one ask of you before you go, could you please share this podcast with one person today? One person at a time will grow this podcast to help more people walk with Jesus.
That’s your two minutes with Jesus for today.
Now, take what you’ve heard…share it and live it.
Until next time, keep slowing down, keep listening, and keep walking with Jesus.