Luke 12:1-7 (NRSV)
Read Luke 12:1-7 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 12Meanwhile, when the crowd gathered by the thousands, so that they trampled on one another, he began to speak first to his disciples, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, that is, their hypocrisy. Verse 2Nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. Verse 3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed from the housetops. Verse 4"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. Verse 5But 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! Verse 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God's sight. Verse 7But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Devotion
This passage begins by speaking of fear. We fear those in power or those we do not understand. The only one who should be feared is God. Despite the claims of others, when it is all said and done, God is the only one who can sit in judgment of us. Yet we can take comfort in the final words of this passage—God, the one who judges us, is always watching over and protecting us.
Prayer
God of power, help us to remember that you are always watching over us, protecting us and loving us. Amen.