The crowds were thick when Jesus called them an evil generation who needed to repent instead of seek a sign. (Luke 11:29-32).

He didn’t stop there but went on to caution them to make sure the light inside of them was not darkness. (Luke 11:33-36).

Then, He called the Pharisee, who had invited him to dinner, “foolish and full of greed and wickedness”, being more concerned with outward appearance than what was in his heart. (Luke 11:37-44).

Jesus goes on to reproach the lawyers, and told the people they would receive judgment for how they had treated the prophets. (Luke 11:45-52)

Hard words. But still the crowds grew innumerable, pressing in, trampling one another. (Luke 12:1)

But the Savior continues.

He warns them of hypocrisy and tells them there is nothing covered that will not be revealed nor hidden that will not be known. (Luke 12:2)

He is about to get to the part where He talks about caring for the sparrow and numbering the hairs on our heads (Luke 12:6-7).

We all like that part. But we can’t just ignore what Jesus has just said.

Our sins, none of our sins, can be hidden from God.

Jesus, who knows God better than anyone, who is, in fact, God in flesh, says words that we all need to soberly hear before we just jump to the sparrow part—

“And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! (Luke 12:4-5)

Yes, God loves you. So very much. But do you fear Him as you should?

The wise do.
Fools don’t.

To think you can go your own way, make your own rules, be okay with things He calls “sin” (and He alone gets to define it) is foolish.

It is a foolish, slippery slope (Deut 32:35) that leads to death.

James says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death”. (James 1:14-15)

Simply put, when you feed your own sinful desires, when you are “okay” with it, that sin grows and will destroy you.

Friend, fear God. Teach your kids, your grandkids, to reverentially fear Him.

For “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise wisdom and instruction”. (Prov 1:7)

But listen to this! ….”The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints!
There is no want to those who fear Him.
The young lions lack and suffer hunger;
But those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing. Come, you children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
Who is the man who desires life,
And loves many days, that he may see good?
Keep your tongue from evil,
And your lips from speaking deceit.
Depart from evil and do good;
Seek peace and pursue it. “ (Psalm 34:7-14)

Yes, God is to be feared. He will not be mocked or ignored.

So, let’s be very careful to seek His ways over our own—

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity,because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Eph 5:15-17)

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon” (Isa 55:6-7)

God will freely pardon those who forsake THEIR ways and follow His BETTER ways!

Oh friend, our Father is completely good, He loves us so very much; but He is also to be reverentially feared and followed.

fearGod

followHim

walkinpeace

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