Have you ever been to a ball game or a concert where the crowd was overtly large in number? Everyone gathered in one location for the purpose of seeing a great athletic performance or hearing some incredible music, bringing awe and wonder to the soul.

This brought the question to my mind as I was reading Luke 12:1, why were there thousands of people gathered in one place? What was so awe inspiring that would cause someone to risk injury in an oversized, unruly crowd? What was the wonder that pressed upon someone’s spirit so strong that they lost all sense of reason, to the point of trampling another person?

The reason was Jesus! In the verses prior to this passage Jesus cast out a demon from a man, which is what really began to draw the crowd. After that, He began to warn the Pharisees and lawyers and call them out, something no person had the guts to do in that day. They must have thought, “We need to get a closer look at this man,” not even realizing they were looking at their long awaited Messiah.

Jesus went on to teach His disciples, and the listening crowd, not to fear what man can do to you, but rather, fear the one who holds eternity in His hand. Are you living in fear of what other people think of you? Are you confessing the name of Jesus to others? The answer to these two questions will determine your eternal destiny. There is no time to waste on fear of man. We must profess the name of Jesus to everyone we can!

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for growth in your desire to know and please Him. Ask Him to give you a greater love and commitment to Him. Ask Him for the grace to glorify Him in your life. Intercede on behalf of your local church, other churches, evangelism and discipleship ministries and other concerns you may have. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have.