Fear of the Lord

 

Last week my 13-year-old great-nephew asked me the question: “What does it mean to fear God?”  I tried to give him an answer talking about both God’s wrath and His grace but I’m not sure that the answer was as complete as it should have been, so bear with me while I give it another shot.

When we talk about fear, we usually do so about something dangerous.  We fear bad people with guns, or the possibility of being in a car accident, or a fire that might burn down our house.   I remember the first time I took an airplane ride; I was terrified.  My friend would attest to that.  She claims that she still has the marks on her wrist which I held tight.  Those kinds of fears are all too real, but they do not explain fear when we talk about God.

The Scripture says that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9:10 NIV84).  That may seem to be a strange statement, but when you stop to consider who God is, a loving reverence or respect or even fear brings wisdom.

Since my great-nephew is an avid baseball player, let me explain it like this.  You have a coach who is in charge.  He is a lot wiser than you when it comes to baseball, and he gives the instructions.  You respect him because he is in charge.  You listen to him and follow his directions, knowing that if you don’t, there will be consequences.  In one sense, you fear him because he has the power to sit you on the bench or at the very least give you a good talking to if you disobey his instructions.  Therefore, respectful fear of your coach is smart thinking.

In the same way, God is the Creator, the King of all Kings, and Lord of Lords.  He is in charge of the universe.  He is wiser than all of us put together, and He has given us instructions on how to live our lives.  He is entitled to our reverence and awe and even fear simply because He is God.  There is also a measure of fear because He has the power to punish us if we disobey.  The Old Testament makes it clear that He is a God of wrath. 

Here's the Good News!  Unlike the Coach who may or may not listen to your excuses or apologies for disobeying his instructions, God is always ready to listen.  When we disobey Him, He is waiting patiently for us to say, “I’m sorry” and if we are sincere, those magic words bring forgiveness.  Why?  Because He loves us so much, He sent His Son to pay the penalty for our mistakes and sins.  If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, forgiveness is always available for anyone who sincerely asks Him.

Proverbs 19:23 says “The fear of the Lord leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble” (NIV84).   When we have Christ as our Savior, a reverent, loving fear of God displays our gratitude to the One who has given us life.  We don’t have to fear the dangers of this life because we can rest, knowing that the best is yet to come because God is not just the King, He is also our Redeemer.

Psalm 111: 10

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