I want to share with you a vital message, one that speaks to the heart of our faith and our walk with God. We’ve been blessed with rain, a reminder that God indeed answers prayers. But there’s something crucial that we, as a church, need to address. It concerns our understanding and practice of fearing the Lord.
Reflecting on the early church, as described in Acts 9:31, we see that they were ‘walking in the fear of the Lord.’ This concept seems foreign in today’s context, where the emphasis is often solely on God’s love and mercy. Yet, the Bible speaks equally about His righteousness, holiness, and justice. I sense we might be veering too far from understanding the true ‘fear of the Lord.’
The fear of the Lord, in both the Old and New Testaments, involves reverence, awe, and also a trembling recognition of His majesty and justice. It’s not just about being reverent; it involves a deep, trembling respect for God, recognizing His power over both body and soul, as Jesus taught in Matthew 10:28.
This fear is essential for a true understanding of God. It’s the beginning of wisdom, as Solomon states in Proverbs. It leads us to hate evil, prolongs life, gives strong confidence, and is a fountain of life. Without this fear, we risk losing sight of the gravity of sin and its consequences. It’s crucial for our spiritual health and our relationship with God.
Developing this proper fear of the Lord involves engaging deeply with the Word of God. It’s through Scripture that we learn to understand and respect His power, justice, and grace. We must balance our understanding of God’s love with a healthy fear of His judgment.
So, I urge you, examine your heart. Do you have this godly fear? It’s not about living in constant terror but having a profound respect and reverence for our Almighty God. This fear should drive us to live righteously, to repent, and to wholeheartedly seek God’s will.
Carry with you the words of Psalm 89:7, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around him.” Let this be the cornerstone of your faith and your walk with the Lord.
