Biblical Fear

[jwm3]

Exodus 20: 18-21

"All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, or we will die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.' So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was."

Several things stick out to me from this passage, but especially this part: in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.

Have we domesticated God?

Do we still have a healthy fear/reverance for the Holy Lord God of the Universe?

Have we taken the grace Jesus has supplied for granted and thus also take God's Holiness for granted?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord is also said here to help keep us from sinning. How often from day to day do you consider the fear of the Lord before acting in certain ways?

[Augustus MCcrae]

I'm going to watch this one.....I'll be honest, my friend....this is antithetical to my "heart" .... but God teaches me every single day, and I'm listening.

Augustus McCrae
A man who's maybe afraid of fear



Exodus 20: 18-21

"All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen, but let not God speak to us, or we will die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.' So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was."

Several things stick out to me from this passage, but especially this part: in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.

Have we domesticated God?

Do we still have a healthy fear/reverance for the Holy Lord God of the Universe?

Have we taken the grace Jesus has supplied for granted and thus also take God's Holiness for granted?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Fear of the Lord is also said here to help keep us from sinning. How often from day to day do you consider the fear of the Lord before acting in certain ways?

[Queen Mother]

Our fear of the Lord should be our 'reverence' for the Lord - putting Him first and thinking of Him first before we act or speak.

I know that way too many times during the day, I think AFTER I speak or act!

Of the verse "pray without ceasing," Charles Stanley says that although we can't physically pray non-stop, this verse means to be in a prayerful mode all day and at all times. If I could be like that AT ALL TIMES, then I think my reverence for God and my Fear of the Lord would put me right where He desires for me to be!

[Augustus MCcrae]

Have heard and read many, many discussions and explanations from "learned scholars" and just folks like me about what the conotation of "....fear of the Lord..." actually means. Thank you for your thoughts, Queen. And I'm thankful for JDub posting this to make us get a little "umcomfortable" maybe and examine our hearts about this.

Here's a question that comes to my mind after reading the Exodus text and the response of Moses to the people's fear: What effect did Jesus - his presence among man and as man and his ministry/teachings - have on this relationship of "fear of God" ?

[eyescene]

Fear the Lord Oh I know that one well!! That was one I heard every time I went to church so much so my relationship with God was based upon fear. Fear that he would hurt those I loved b/c I was not pleasing to him. Then one day I heard about Grace and Love and how much the Father loves us regardless. Love is the fulfillment of the law!! Romans 13:8

I stay married to my husband b/c I love him...not b/c I fear him...but I do, not do certain things b/c I fear that I may lose my relationship with him...that is the kind of fear we should have with the Father.

Yes fear is the beginning but it is not the end. I respect/fear God and his infinite powers, but I also know he is just and doesn't have a bad day just b/c I am disobedient. And Yes, I know that he does chastise those he loves, as I chastise my own children. I can't help but respect God even more for being just. We will be chastise. But it will be done in love and not out of damnation.

I fear God yes I do, but not with trembling....not my God, not my Father. Not unless I have turned my back on him then yes I would fall on my knees in fear.

[TheCapitalist]

I think that is key: to try to remain "reverent" and mindful thru daily life. "Life" floods in and takes over easily.
When i think of standing before God and making an account of my life, i am very fearful, although i am forgiven. More a matter of respect, and a knowledge of my unworthiness of his gift.

[jwm3]

Well, I have never personally though of "trembling, frightened" fear, but more of a realization of who God is and who I am. Sort of like Isaiah exclaiming, "Oh woe is me for I am a man of unclean lips and I have seen the face of the Lord God, surely I will die." Or something close to that...

I've been reading some of Martin Luther's work lately. He spent so much of his adult life trying to figure out how a holy God could show mercy to sinful people. Today, many people get put off trying to figure out how a loving God can allow His children to suffer.

I think the "truth" is somewhere between those two bookends.

[eyescene]

Holiness? Boy that is a tough one. Holy not something I am!

For me it is not an outward adorning, but it is a pureness of the heart. It is one we seek to achieve. And I fail at it.

[eyescene]

Sorry Doc, that was the only fear I knew! So when someone says fear God...I remember those days!! They taught fear, guilt and condemnation!

[Augustus MCcrae]

Sorry Doc, that was the only fear I knew! So when someone says fear God...I remember those days!! They taught fear, guilt and condemnation!

No need for you to apologize, eye. I think when MOST folks hear that phrase "...fear God..." that's what they think of. Too, I think it keeps most people at some distance from God instead of allowing themselves to be drawn TO God. Still today, much of doctrine and dogma - although it is "dressed up" in nice rhetoric more today - slides to its "default" position of ''....fear, guilt, and condemnation..." just as you stated.

I'm still wondering what effect "Jesus" had on that?

[Flowergirl]

Having read all of your responses I am keep thinking about what the angels said when they met with man when announcing some Heavenly event or even the birth of our King. FEAR NOT!

I find myself filled or feeled ( if you will) daily with fear of the Lord. I am fearful of my sinful ways. When I sin ( which is all too frequently) I am quickened swiftly with thoughts of all that my God has blessed me with and how without Him, I have HOPE of nothing. Are the rich blessings a direct result of my good behavior? Couldn't be, because I am a mess. The rich blessing are the grace of God.

I think much of my fearfulness is garnered from a childhood of very strict "religious" upbringing. As Eye mentioned, fear and shame were tools used to keep us in line. I now understand that God is a loving God, but, I know well that my "sin will find me out." So, to say that I am fearful of God may not be a correct analogy of my true thoughts. My fear is of my own action and behavior. It is me who waivers and sins; God's rules don't change. I know what to expect from Him. I am the wild card in this relationship.

[jwm3]

Fear, shame, and guilt...the mantra of modern-day religious movements...I know them well.

But none of them have anything to do with the selfless Spirit of true agape love known as the Lord Jehova God. Thank you Flowergirl, eye, QM, Gus and others for the wonderful responses.

[eyescene]

Amen Flower! yes I would hate for my sins to be shouted from the roof tops for all the world to know...and like the topic QM posted on bitterness...I have spoken to Nana about some hurt the still makes me cry that should long be over with but it cut me deep and hard.

I seek prayers!!