Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
Proverbs 3:7
Did that blog title get your attention? Maybe you think the words that follow will be about how we Christians need to fear the exponentially evil direction our culture is going. Or the horror that should seize our hearts at the onslaught of federal legislation nefariously undermining our Biblical beliefs (and our right to live them out). Perhaps I’ll delve into the global “pandemic” and how we must fear the virus, stay isolated, and constantly sanitize. Nope, none of the above.
This exhortation, friends, is to fear the Lord.
As believers, we (hopefully) understand this principle of fearing God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we have peace with God and are justified to ultimately stand in His presence (“just-as-if-I’d” never sinned). But we must still fear God. Christian fear, however, is not terror and dread, but rather it’s the awe of the power and authority of the Creator, Judge, and King. Our fear of the Lord keeps us wise, moving in the right direction, and—ultimately—confident of our eternal home with Him. The Bible makes it clear:
- The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).
- Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him (Psalm 33:8)!
- And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28).
- Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Cor 7:1).
Brothers and sisters, in our fear of the Lord, we do not have to fear anything that’s going on in our upside-down world. Is it disconcerting? Yes! Is the enemy ramping up his efforts to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10)—yes!! But we know how it all ends. (If you don’t, it’s time for you to settle in and study the book of Revelation.)
Is “the end” near? It could be. Jesus could come back for believers today, next year, or next century. And at the end is a holy judgement by a holy God. So, for your family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers who do not “fear the Lord,” they have much more to fear than what the news is reporting. Without accepting the gift of grace through faith in Jesus, their eternal condition is horrifying.
It is time to fear. Let us—with urgency—tell others. God loves them and wants no one to perish, but wants all to repent and have eternal life with Him (2 Peter 3:9). They must simply acknowledge their sinful nature, ask God for forgiveness, believe that Jesus paid their ransom, and make Him Savior and Lord of their life. It’s a free gift—no other to-dos involved! Let’s spread the word.
How much more severe punishment do you think he will deserve who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has regarded as unclean the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:29-31).
Lord, give me a sense of urgency to tell others of God’s love for them, instilling a fear that brings eternal peace.
encouraged by grace 