Fear of the Lord (or Lack Thereof)
We were excited to have Jodi Lenker bring us the morning message for our first Sunday in our new building. Jodi encouraged and challenged us. She reminded us what it is to have a fear of the Lord, and have a relationship with Him.
Read these questions, and reflect on your truthful response:
Have we become too nonchalant?
Do we sometimes simply get so used to God that we forget or take His awesomeness for granted?
Do we forget to thank God for our blessings?
Is God who we go to first when we are in need of healing?
Do we remember to thank Him when we are healed?
Are we taking our need to repent seriously?
Do we seek God - daily asking for his guidance, wisdom, and correction through the Holy Spirit?
Doing our best to be able to answer these questions correctly is critical to our relationship with Him. Relationships are two-way streets.
If you had a friend who only wanted something to do with you when they needed something, would you keep chasing after that “friend” or relationship. God’s love for us, and desire to commune with us, is unfathomable. He loves us even when we don’t reciprocate the way we should. This concept should challenge us to have a deeper, more frequent (or really - constant), relationship with God.
God showed His love when He provided for the whining Israelites as they roamed in the desert for 40 years (before entering the Promised Land). He gave them food, water, protection, etc. He also gave them a list of rules for them to live holy lives that would prove their love for Him. Us following this rules today is one way to show God how much we fearfully love Him.
You know who REALLY loved and feared the Lord? Abraham. Abraham was willing to sacrifice his one and only son out of obedience. God did not make Abraham go through with it… but God did go through with it when He sacrificed His one and only Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins.
Jesus’ obedience to the cross relieves us of the fear of separation from God. The blood of Christ tore the veil. We don’t need a priest to talk to God. We have a direct connection to Him.
To prove our fear of the Lord, we must be obedient. John Bevere outlines five signs of the fear of the Lord in his teachings. These signs reflect a deep reverence and respect for God, influencing behavior and decision-making.
Obedience to God’s Word - Individuals demonstrate a commitment to following biblical teachings and commandments, prioritizing God's will over personal desires.
A Desire for Holiness - There is a strong inclination to pursue a life that reflects God's character, striving for purity and righteousness in thoughts and actions.
A Heart of Worship - People exhibit genuine worship, recognizing God's greatness and expressing gratitude and reverence through their actions and attitudes.
A Sense of Accountability - Believers feel a profound awareness of their actions and decisions, understanding that they are accountable to God for how they live their lives.
A Compassion for Others - Those who fear the Lord show empathy and love towards others, reflecting God's love and compassion in their interactions.
God - Help us to NEVER take you for granted. Help us to always remember Your blessings and provisions, and let us keep Your relationship FIRST in our lives. Give us the drive and ability to be obedient to You. In Jesus’ Name. - Amen!
Bible verses we read/referenced include:
Psalm 19
Deuteronomy 5:6-29,32
Genesis 22:1-19
Romans 8:31-39
John 15:9-14
