Fear of God

 

Exodus 20:18-21  

¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance ¹⁹ and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

 ²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”
 ²¹ The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

I am enthralled by this small passage.  I notice:

• Moses said, "Do not be afraid," like angels, when their arrival causes fear. 
• The fear of God (different from being afraid apparently) can keep a person from sinning. 

Questions for Reflection:

• How can  a person tell if they have a respectful fear of God versus just being afraid?
• Has the fear of God ever kept you from sinning?

     When I am afraid- I am frozen- incapacitated.  I think the fear of God is more of a motivator.  I recognize His holiness and authority.  I realize my dependence on him.  I am moved, not to shut down, but to consciously, worshipfully put my trust and confidence in him. 

     I think at times I have experienced something similar to the awe of the Israelites.  Looking from atop the Colorado mountains- I have felt the serenity of God's creation.  There is a peacefulness that comes from simply stepping away from manmade busyness.  It is as if time ceases to matter.  Becoming aware of the enormity of the sky, a mountain range, the stars, is both humbling and frightening.

     I watched Louie Giglio's "Indescribable", which attempts to help the viewer understand God's power and beauty by studying the universe.  The information about our galaxies is both beautiful and humbling.  My brain almost hurt from trying to fathom our Creator and the size of His Creation.  Sometimes the confusion of trying to comprehend a God who could make galaxies, yet care for me personally is too much.  I can't understand not being born, and I can't fathom eternity. 

     Sometimes I don't understand choices God makes on our earth.  Why do some innocent children suffer and die of cancer, while some evil dictators grow rich and retreat to a vacation home?  I don't always understand God.  I think that's where faith comes in.  I have His Word, which is God's love letter for a humanity filled with dark motives and actions.  I have my personal salvation, where I experienced God's forgiveness for my dark heart and actions.  I have a history of blessings and mercies.  So, when I encounter something I don't understand, I can stand on His Promises.  I can remember, God is so big, it's no wonder I don't always understand everything.  That knowledge keeps my thoughts in perspective.    

     I think there is a dangerous tendency to want to create and fashion a God that is manageable and easier to understand when we are faced with the knowledge of his immense power.  Maybe He just makes a choice we don't understand.     

    I know in just a few short chapters, the Israelites will try to create a god they are more comfortable with- a golden calf.  They did not pass the test.  They went from being afraid, to taking control of the situation by creating a god they could control.  Our God- the One who has power over the wind and waves, who does not always behave as we think he should (Job)  who makes promises to both slaves and free and sees the promises through, Our God cannot be minimized, explained away or contained in human explanations. 

So..

     I will pray through my fear.  I will ask God to expose times in my life I have, out of fear, asked him to hide himself from me.  I will ask God to instead, fashion a holy fear that will keep me from sinning against Him.  I will watch for:
1.  Grumbling against others versus taking my complaints to Him (Exodus 16:6-8)
2.  Quick pat answers about God that make me feel more comfortable (like the friend's of Job)
3.  I will spend time meditating on God's power and love so don't engage in idol worship in my mind, and sin against him. 

Happy Valentine's Day!