Know Him and rejoice.

After writing a few times about brokenness, fallenness, and sin, I am so happy to be reminded this morning about who He is.

"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear:  fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!" Luke 12:4-5

Jesus is talking to his disciples while they are in the midst of a huge crowd when he reminds them that we are to have no fear regarding the things of this world. This is all temporary. It will pass.

When my first daughter was born...almost 29 years ago...someone told me to remember "This too shall pass."  She said to remember it during the long nights of no sleep and also during the great celebrations.

It will pass.

And Jesus reminds us of the same thing in Luke...it will pass. This life is temporary. Don't fear anything here...instead fear the One who has power not just in this moment, but also in the moments and life to come.

There is something...Someone... more powerful than the here and now.

Fear Him.

Then he goes on to say, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows."

Fear Him transitions to fear not!

What changes?

Don't be afraid of what is going on around you. Look at Him.

Yahweh is BIGGER.

Fear Him. Fear His power and His might. Fear His big-ness.

And Yahweh, in all of His power, might, and massiveness...

He knows you, He recognizes you, and He is familiar with you.

He values you.

So fear not.

Whatever may happen to you and I today, we are valued by the only One who is to be feared.

Find peace in that.

Find your worth in that.

Find joy in that.

Know Him...and rejoice.