Do not fear

​3-22-21
Today’s devotion is based on John 7:12,13, “Some said, ‘He is a good man.’ Others replied, ‘No, he deceives the people.’ But no one would say anything publicly about him for fear of the leaders.”
In today’s reading, Jesus attends the Festival of Tabernacles secretly. He knew the Jewish leaders were looking for a way to kill him. But it was not fear of death that concerned Jesus. He attended in secret because he still had much to do, and it was not the time for the leaders to silence him.
Fear itself did not dampen the discussions about Jesus. Fear did not stop those who thought he was a good man from praising him. Fear certainly did not stop Jesus from attending the festival or speaking in the temple. In our lives, we need to have no fear in speaking up for Jesus or in boldly proclaiming him as our Savior.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, gracious God, creator and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen; thank you for the goodness you show towards us each day. We ask you to give us the strength to share your love boldly in your name wherever we see injustice, hurt or harm. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.