June 13: Free from fear

Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death — that is, the devil — and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.   (Hebrews 2:l4,l5 — Holman Christian Standard Bible)

These two verses reveal some amazing truths about Jesus, and the freedom that comes through Him. Since we were flesh and blood, He became flesh and blood like us, and came into this world 2000 years ago to die in our place. That death was the full payment of our sins — all of them — and His resurrection was proof that God had accepted His sacrifice, and that the devil had no power over Him. Amazing, isn’t it?

When you disobey God and do what is wrong you give the devil power over you, and chose the path of death, the end result of sin. But since a pure and innocent God has already paid the price for sin, when you believe in Him and His sacrifice, and start to obey Him, you are forgiven of your sin and escape the devil’s slavery. 

Have you been held in slavery all your life by the fear of death? 

Some people are afraid God will never forgive them… or that they’ll never break the negative cycle they’re in… or that their dreams will never come true… that they aren’t worthy of God, of a good spouse, of happiness… or that they don’t have the faith to overcome sin, bad habits, addiction… or of getting their hopes up only to be disappointed one more time… etc. This passage is not speaking only about physical death, but any kind of death. 

The devil’s greatest weapon is fear, and whenever you give in to it, you’re surrendering to him and allowing his darkness to enter your innermost parts. Fear cannot exist in the presence of faith. True faith is doggedly determined that God is with you and that He will save you from whatever situation you’re in. Faith rejects fear outright. Don’t give in to fear. God has given us too much. — If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  (Romans 8:31-33 — NASB)