The other day during my devotions a verse jumped out at me. Here it is:
"Don't be afraid... For God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning." Exodus 20:2
Israel has just been given the 10 Commandments by God telling them what they could and could not do. God sets some ground rules in order to help them live more productive and free lives. While communicating the commandments God puts on quite a show. There's thunder, horns being blown, flashes of lightning and smoke billowing from Mount Sinai. This freaks the Israelites out as they get a front row seat to the power of God.
That's when Moses tells them 'not to be afraid." But then in the same breath he tells them that God is doing all this so that they will 'fear him.'
So what is it Moses? Should we be afraid or not? Sounds confusing doesn't it. "Dont' be afraid of God but you should fear Him." Uhhh, I'm not sure that makes sense Moses!
God's not confused or conflicted. He's making a point and sending a message. The Israelites are learning that God is on their side. He is 'for them' and 'with them.' They don't have to be afraid because He has their best interests in mind. But He also wants to show them and teach them that He is God. He is Holy. He is perfect. He is BIG!
I think a lot of people forget that.
You see, to fear God is to understand who He is. It's recognizing that He is way bigger than us. It's understanding that although He is our friend, He is not our buddy. It's recognizing that although He is all about love He is also all about justice.
I fear God not because I am afraid of Him but because
I recognize who He is and what He is capable of.
That was the lesson that God was teaching the Israelites. It's why they had to wander in the dessert for 40 years. That was God's discipleship plan for them to learn who He is.
Along with fearing God comes a blessing for our lives. Fear of God keeps us from sin - "...your fear of him will keep you from sinning." That is the fruit of fearing God. Fearing God keeps ME in perspective. It helps me to see myself clearly in comparison with God.
That's what hit me when I read this verse. I don't think I fear God the way I should. I know and embrace His love but ignore His wrath and justice. Yet wrath and justice are key ingredients to God's love. They remind me that I fall short and knowing this truth is when I can fully embrace His love - which makes it that much more incredible.
It means that I can be holy just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:13-16 ) giving me perspective and keeping me from sin.
Lord, thank you that I need not be afraid of you. Thank you for your love and your pursuit of me. Thank you that you want me to know you more which means I need to learn to fear you more. Move me beyond only respect and honor for you and take me to that place where I see your holiness, your power, your strength and your might. Give me clear picture of who You are so that I can expereince the blessing of a life that fears God - one that does not sin against you.
Amen.
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