Godly fear
Then I saw another angel … having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come…”
Revelation 14:6-7 (NKJV)
Fear of God describes a reverence for God which leads to obedience because of one’s realisation not only of His power, but also His love for humanity. Most people have fears of some sort. Personally, I strive for godly fear, as it is something God desires for us: ‘They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them.’ (Jeremiah 32:38-39).
Having godly fear, as we read in Proverbs 1:7, ‘is the beginning of knowledge’ however the blessings and benefits of godly fear don’t stop there, we are freed from our greatest fear – the fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 reads, ‘Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.’
Jesus set us the perfect example of godly fear, and was heard by God: ‘… in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear…’ (Hebrews 5:7). And the theme of godly fear is of vital importance to the church following Jesus’s example: ‘Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.’ (Acts 9:31).
As we come to know more and more of the Most High God, the Sovereign ruler of the entire universe, our heartfelt response to Him is to show reverence and godly fear in all aspects of our lives, knowing that He loves us, and desires only what is best for us.
Prayer
Abba Father, the Creator of heaven and earth, I thank you for teaching us godly fear through Lord Jesus. He is our perfect example. Please unite my heart to fear You. In Jesus’ name I ask. Amen.
Study by Natu Moti
Natu Moti is a deacon in the Birmingham congregation of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham B23 7QB
Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church