“One day, as Jesus was teaching in the temple.., the chief priests and scribes with the elders said, ‘Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.’ He answered,.. ‘was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?’ They discussed it, saying, ‘If we say, “From heaven,” he will say, “Why did you not believe him?” But if we say, “From man,” the people will stone us to death, for they are convinced that John was a prophet.’ So they answered that they did not know… Jesus said to them, ‘Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.’
“He [told] the people this parable: ‘A man planted a vineyard and let it out to tenants and went into another country for a long while. When the time came, he sent a servant to the tenants, so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. He sent another servant. But they also beat him… He sent yet a third… Then the owner of the vineyard said, “I will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him.’ But when the tenants saw him,.. they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those tenants and give the vineyard to others.’..
“The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people.” Luke 20:1-16,19
The religious leaders knew too much not to be accountable, but relished skirting vital issues to retain control of their lives and authority. Hearing and discussing about Jesus was palatable, but surrendering was another matter. Conviction was an ugly word to be rejected by those who believed they were always right. As misplaced fears of God and man tangled, they chose an odd non-committal neutrality that held them in constant angst.
Fear is a strange and powerful deterrent to deciding for truth. It both compels and repels, depending on whether it’s directed toward the Holy One or haughty ones. It manipulates emotion and detracts from reason, a crafty tool of excuse-making and compromise in the devil’s arsenal. It is most success at spiritual disruption when we value the reaction of men over God. (Matthew 6:24; John 12:42-43)
How much and far does fear play into daily decisions? When we know what is right, where do we let fear distract and dictate? Taking fear’s wily hand and cavorting in what-ifs and I can’ts will only confuse, and keep us in the slough of non-commitment. Twirling long in this draining dance inhibits vitality, faith, and true spiritual growth. When will we shake off fears and take God’s sure grip?
What specific fears hold me back from proper action? Is it of reprisal? The Lord is on my side and defends my cause. Rejection, failure, loneliness? He’ll never leave or forsake me. Financial or reputational loss? He’s my great reward and eternal treasure. Naming them, then matching each fear to God’s greater sufficiency, will set us clean, straight, and bold. (Genesis 15:1; Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 69:9; Romans 8:31-34; Ephesians 1:3; 3:21; Philippians 4:13,19)
Lord, teach me to walk daily by faith and always do the right thing, fearing and exalting You alone.
As the rain and snow 