March 12 | Luke 12:1-21

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DAILY READING

Luke 12:1-21

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REFLECTION

Whom Shall I Fear? 

By Beth Voltmann

Many of the things that Jesus said and taught were difficult to hear and understand. May we have open ears and soft hearts to receive the truth of these “red letter” words from our Savior and know that he is speaking to us as friends.

“I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who after your body has been killed,

has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”

 (Luke 12:4-5)

Will we build our lives on shifting sand or on the solid Rock?

I am reminded of two close friends, both in their 60s, who recently passed away:

The one died a year and a half ago. Raised in a Jewish home, he would never truly listen when my husband repeatedly tried to share the Gospel but, instead, would joke about what a “boy scout” Mark was. Over the years, we watched as he chose to chase wealth, travel, and other empty pleasures of this world in the hopes that he would find contentment. Little did he know that, during a business trip, a bus would take his life as he stepped off a curb. We pray that the Lord changed his heart during the week he spent in a coma before his death, but he left behind a meaningless legacy for his broken-hearted family.

The other friend died just two weeks ago. He loved and served the Lord Jesus with his life. All who knew or met him were greatly impacted by his positive spirit and constant hope. After enduring a double lung transplant five years ago and a recent battle with leukemia, a critical infection finally claimed his life. Through it all, he never took his eyes off of Jesus. He left a precious legacy of faith for his family.

“I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.

But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.”

(Luke 12:8-9)

“What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”

(Matthew 16:26)

PRAYER

Father, your Word says that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) 

I pray for my friends and neighbors who so desperately need your wisdom and ask that my own life would be guided by a holy fear of you so that I can say with confidence...

“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved.” (From Amazing Grace)

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.