Fear The Lord: Blessings - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) February 22, 2022

Fear is an ugly word for Christians. Many won't even mention the term as they want no association with it. While fear is indeed a troublesome emotion, the fear of the Lord is a requirement for the children of God. Fear of the Lord is to be understood as a way of life. It is a reverence, a sense of awe at His capacity and might, a healthy caution against doing things that He deemed wrong.

Far too often, we imagine God as a cuddly teddy bear. Certainly, He is kind and a source of comfort. However, He is also God the ultimate judge (Psalm 75:7), the God of divine retribution (Isaiah 35:4), and the God of war (Exodus 15:3). He is to be feared just as much as adored.

Consider Joseph who was seduced by Potiphar's wife. The Bible says he was very handsome and though a slave, had full control of Potiphar's home. Instead of enjoying the "fringe benefits" of his looks and position, he refused her advances, saying in Genesis 39:9 - "...How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" Notice, he was afraid to violate God's laws (Exodus 20:17 & Proverbs 6:29) and wasn't worried about doing something that was likely more common in those days than we care to believe.

Then there's Daniel's friends - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - in Daniel 3. They opted to be thrown in the fire than bow to King Nebuchadnezzar as that would violate their God's law (Exodus 20:5). Certain death at the hands of a man was deemed better than the wrath of their Creator.

In the case of Joseph and Daniel's friends, there were tough consequences for their fear of the Lord. In the short term, Potiphar's wife claimed Joseph tried to rape her and he was unfairly flung in prison for years. Daniel's friends were tossed into a fiery pit with heat so intense it killed those who'd created it.

Long term though? Blessings were the result of the choice to fear God. Joseph rose to become the de facto ruler of the nation of Egypt and eventually got his family some of the best land to settle on. Daniel's friends walked in the fire with God, were brought out and received the respect of the king. Their God was recognized as "The Most High God" with the king adding, "for no other god can save in this way." Oh and the men were also promoted within the kingdom.

So, how can we change our attitude to be one of fear and dread for the Lord Almighty? How do we display actual reverence for the King of kings? If this helps, think about what happened to the Pharaoh of Egypt who chased the Israelites into the Red Sea in Exodus 14. He was stiff-necked, lacked adequate fear for the Lord and thought he had all power and might. He ended up drowning in the very sea that had parted to become a highway for God's people.

We need to fear the Lord, read His word and resist sin of all types. We won't know how to resist sin if we don't consult our life manual - the Bible. We'll need to let go of the things that move us away from the Lord, be they activities, thoughts or the words that come from our lips. We need to strive every day for a life nestled in the Lord of lords. That is a life that places God first. A life that fears Him and can be blessed for that decision and not cursed in accordance with Proverbs 28:14 - Blessed is the one who fears the LORD always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity (ESV).

See you at Noon EST!