By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Matthew 10:28 "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - NIV
Jesus was sending out the twelve to go and preach. As He instructed them on how to go about with the mission, He meant to let them know it was not going to be rosy all through. They would be resisted, ridiculed and even be killed. This would bring fear and scare some out of the mission. But Jesus encouraged them not to compromise their mission, faith and values in God for fear of man.
The reason for resistance to the gospel is Satan, whose mission is to keep people from believing the gospel and be saved. Others resist to defend their interests which are threatened by the gospel. This leads to persecution. By telling the disciples not to fear those who kill the body and not the soul, Jesus implied that in the process, some may actually die for the gospel. But suffering and death of the body, caused by men, is not to be feared. It ends there.
Rather, God, Who can kill the body (physical death) and cast the soul to hell (eternal/second death), is to be reverentialy feared. This is because there is no remedy thereafter into eternity. One can die physically (as it is appointed for all) but be safe with God. But to be lost eternally in hell is reason enough to be afraid! So many have feared men and compromised their faith in God. Jesus and all heroes of faith endured great suffering but stood firm for what they believed. Never allow the temporary challenges of men cause you to be lost eternally!
Luke 12:4-5 "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 the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him."
Shalom children of God.