January 28, 2026

Matthew 1-:26-31 (HCSB)
Fear God
26 “Therefore, don’t be afraid of them, since there is nothing covered that won’t be uncovered and nothing hidden that won’t be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the light. What you hear in a whisper, proclaim on the housetops. 28 Don’t fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul; rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. 30 But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. 31 So don’t be afraid therefore; you are worth more than many sparrows.

T.W. Mitchell
Hallelujah, praise the Lord! We don’t have to fear! Jesus has already experienced more than we will ever experience. He said you will be in darkness. I believe this refers to situations and experiences that seem to be so dark to us. Sometimes God allows us to get into dark life experiences. Evangelist Bill Stafford used to say, “When I am in the dark night of my soul, I’ve learned to be quiet and listen to God. God speaks when I’m silent.” When God speaks to us in darkness, then we can share the Gospel in a new power like we never imagined. We learn valuable lessons in darkness. Sometimes God has to speak loudly, sometimes He just whispers. And when we come out of that darkness, we’ll know it was God that brought us out. Remember when Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb? Don’t you know he had a powerful testimony for the rest of his time on earth? Jesus continued, do not fear them but fear Him. Fear, not being afraid, but a holy reverent awe that trusts Him beyond anything.