Why it Matters - Fear of the Lord

Readings for today: Joshua 1-2, Psalms 105

What is the fear of the Lord? It appears over three hundred times in the Bible, mostly in the wisdom literature like the Book of Proverbs. It is a reference to reverence, awe, and obedience more than terror but the latter is certain present as well especially among those who do not believe. Take today’s reading as an example. For the people of Israel, the fear of the Lord manifested itself in faithful obedience to God’s commands. For the people living in Jericho, the fear of the Lord manifested itself as terror as the news of what God had done to Egypt and other nations along the way became widely known. For Rahab, the fear of the Lord manifested itself as saving faith as she risked her life to save the spies who came to the city.

If you are like me, you may have experienced any or all of these dynamics over the course of your life. I remember being terrified of God on some level when I was younger. My experience of Him was mediated through an earthly father who was highly authoritarian and often angry and verbally abusive, especially when he was drinking. So when I read about God being the judge who condemns people to hell, I wondered if I was on that list. I knew I wasn’t perfect. I knew I was a sinner. And there were times I was sure I couldn’t be saved. But then I encountered God in a different way when I was in college. I heard the gospel for the first time and my fear turned from terror to wonder and awe at what God had done for me on the cross. After coming to saving faith in Jesus Christ, the fear of the Lord took yet another turn in my life, turning to deep reverence and a strong desire to obey His commands. The longer I’ve walked with God, the more my respect for His ways has grown. I have seen and experienced the consequences of both obedience and disobedience and my heart longs to be more faithful.

Where do you find yourself in your journey of faith? Do you find yourself trembling inside when you think about the judgment to come? Are you eternally secure? Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you will be in heaven with Christ after you die? Have you given your life to Christ? Do you find yourself filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for what Jesus accomplished on your behalf? Has your fear of the Lord turned to a healthy respect and reverence for God’s law? Do you find yourself longing to walk more faithfully in God’s ways? These are important questions to consider today as you ponder what God might be saying to you through His Word.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Reverence

Readings for today: Job 37-40:1-5, Psalms 19

God is God and we are not. That’s the essence of the message of the Book of Job and it’s a tough one to swallow. The reality is we all like to pretend we are gods. Masters of our own universe. Captains of our own destiny. We like to pretend that we are in control when in fact we are not. God is moving in ways we cannot see or understand. He is doing things above and beyond us. He is working all things for His glory in the world. He has His purposes. We are simply His instruments. Beloved? Yes. Cherished? Yes. Esteemed? Yes. But our relationship with God comes with responsibilities. Our adoption into God’s family as His sons and daughters comes with a certain set of expectations. Though we are heirs to all things in Christ, we ourselves are not Christ. Though the Father has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, we are not to assume this makes us into gods ourselves. Humility and repentance are the key to a well-lived life before God and Job shows us the way. 

“Then the Lord answered Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let the person who accuses God give him an answer!” Then Job answered the Lord: “Indeed, I am completely unworthy – how could I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth to silence myself. I have spoken once, but I cannot answer; twice, but I will say no more.” (Job‬ ‭40‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NET‬‬) So this is the answer we’ve been waiting for? After all those chapters? All those speeches? All those grief-stricken cries from Job? This is how God answers Job? The hard and honest truth is there is no reason for Job’s suffering. Not that God gives. Not that Job can understand. Not in this moment. Not when he’s still hurting and struggling and lashing out at God. Job must be humbled. He must come to an understanding of who he is and who he’s addressing. And that’s exactly what happens. Job immediately shuts his mouth. He immediately acknowledges his unworthiness before the Lord.

This is what I love about Job. This is what makes Job righteous and blameless in God’s sight.  This is ultimately why God will affirm His servant Job and judge Job’s friends. Job is repentant. Job is humble. Job is contrite.  When God finally answers him out of the whirlwind, Job responds with reverence, fear, and awe. The only appropriate response when we come before the Lord. He gets on his knees. He bows his head. He closes his mouth. He covers his eyes. He is finished speaking. There are no more words to say. God is present. God is here. 

Readings for tomorrow: Job 40:6-42:17, Psalms 29