Devotional of the week: The God who Remembers (9 in ‘Fear Not’ series)

Photo: Wassim LOUMI, flickr

“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 12:1-12

The title of a book captured my imagination when I was introduced to it some twenty years ago: psychologist O Hobart Mowrer’s You Are Your Secrets. I often think of that book when I catch a horrific news headline, such as the death of a young television presenter through asphyxiation in a solo sex game gone wrong. A secret act is made public, and along with grieving for the person involved, I can’t help but think how horrified they would have been at the revelation, had they lived.

Here Jesus is teaching the crowds, warning them against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and telling them that their secrets will be made known. He alerts them to the arrows of the evil one, warning them to be on guard against his schemes. We need not fear our heavenly Father, who cares for us more than even the smallest and least significant of birds, for whom he also provides. But we need to fear the enemy of our souls. He who could keep us in eternal separation from God is one we should keep our distance from.

Yet some Christians seem to be fascinated with the devil, seeing him under every bush while binding him and casing out demons. Satan is active in the world; I’m not wanting to discount our need to put on the armor of God and to stand against his evil schemes. But neither should we become so focused on his activities that we become distracted from all that is true, good and beautiful. After all, we want to further God’s kingdom.

If “you are your secrets,” how would a headline sum you up?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, shine your light in my life that I might confess any hidden secrets. Thank you for setting me free and making me whole.