Reverent Fear

Proverbs 14:26-27 

26Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. 27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

Phobia

         Surely, you heard the word “Phobia.” Experts suggest that phobia is a mental illness with extreme fear of a situation; it’s anxiety disorder with extreme aversion of an object. When person with phobia is exposed to the source of such aversion or fear, there’s immediate anxiety response. Someone may have phobia or fear of certain animals, environment, situations or even medical treatment.

         If you’ve “Claustrophobia” you’re afraid of enclosure or confined space. Many years ago, church leaders and pastors organized a retreat at a resort located next to a gold mining company. As part of the program, they explored the gold mine. They learned how gold ore is processed until it turns out into gold bar.

         They took a ride on mining tram carts that got them inside the tunnel where miners dig and extract gold ores. Their guide warned to plug their ears because the miners were about to blow a dynamite. But, some pastors and church leaders were not paying attention. They were joking with each other. When the dynamite exploded, they were so shocked by the very loud dynamite explosion.

         Even if you plugged your ears, you can still sense the loud impact of the explosion. One pastor reflected on that experience inside the dark mining tunnel. He was alert of possible disaster. He was not anxious or sense any fear or panic because all of them were given a flashlight attached to their mining helmets.

         Truly, there are many situations that may cause anxiousness or phobia in this world where the bad elements of darkness are prevalent. Together, let us reflect on what the Lord Jesus said in John 8:12, 12I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

         Jesus Christ is the light of the world. To avoid terrible resentment in this dark world, we should follow Christ the Light and heed his warning. Church leaders and pastors are not exempted. Those church leaders and pastors who were not attentive to the warning, they’re shocked when the dynamite exploded.

What do you know about the spiritual world? We should be attentive and follow the instruction the Lord. The Holy Spirit inspires us to reverently fear the Lord, and we pay attention to his warning. We must also heed his warning, if we rely upon the Lord for our safety. The Lord is our refuge and our secure fortress.

 1.  Fortress

26Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

         There are conflict and war between nations somewhere around the globe. They use dynamites, missiles and other explosives. Buildings are destroyed. There are many casualties. Survivors are displaced. They have nowhere to go.

Do you have a secure fortress and refuge during war or natural calamities? Earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires devastate where they emerge.

There’s hunger and famine somewhere; there’s political turmoil anywhere. Lives had been destroyed also by abuse of illegal substances. There’s no certainty of safety anywhere around the world. What could we do? We seek refuge in the Lord. Together, let us be attentive to what it advised us in Philippians 2:12-13.

12Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

         The term “fear” can be both in a negative sense, as in fear of judgment or danger, and in a positive sense, as in reverence for God. Do you tremble in fear of a warning of eternal punishment for sinner that the Lord had already decreed? We work out our salvation; we labor and exert all possible efforts to be secured. If we claim that Christ is our fortress, our behavior should practically prove that.

          If we seriously and reverently fear the Lord, our children may benefit.

Pardon

         The son of a president of a particular country was charged with several federal crimes. The infamous president utilized his presidential authority called Presidential Pardon. And as loving father to his son, the president had issued a sweeping pardon for all the offenses that his son had committed.

         The president did not mind what his constituents may think or say. He just wanted to show that he still loves his son no matter how delinquent his son is.

Together, let’s reflect on the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:21-24, 21The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” 22But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.

         Everyone can be careless. Anyone can be mistaken. No human is perfect at all times. God still cares no matter how delinquent we are sometimes. Parents: Our children may follow or imitate our behavior, if we reverently fear the Lord.

         Reverent fear of the Lord is also a result of faith in Christ. We trust that the Lord is just. Can you imagine how terrible it could be for those who suffer eternal torture? We don’t want to that to happen to us. Therefore, we do whatever we can to make sure that we can forever cherish an eternal fountain of life in Christ.

2.  Fountain

27The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.

         What experience can you visualize about a fountain of life in the Lord? How does snare of death scare anyone to avoid it? A fountain offers a refreshing experience while a snare of death suggests terrible suffering or torture.

         Many things in this world can cause us to sense hunger and thirst. We hunger for material things, power and authority. We thirst for affirmation, fame or popularity. What else? How can reverent fear of the Lord refresh us from thirst?

         Let us reflect on what the Lord Jesus Christ declared in John 7:37-39.

37“Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

         What is your personal experience with the Holy Spirit flowing from within you ever since you trusted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?

Cat

         A man entered his house when suddenly a feral cat followed him in his home. He presumed that the cat might be hungry or thirsty, so he gave food and drink. The cat ate and drank. After a while, the cat felt at home. Maybe, it sensed some sort of care from the man, and they enjoyed each other’s company.

         Sometimes, the cat explores outside the house, but for safety and comfort, the man makes it sure that the cat gets inside the house before darkness comes.

         After we sense his grace, love and care, we feel comfortable with the Lord. And sometimes, God also allows us to explore anything in this dark world. But with reverent fear of the Lord, we can rest in secure fortress in him. How is that?

         Christ invites in Matthew 11:28-29, 28Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 

         How could we practically come to Christ and have rest from him? He said, “Take my yoke and learn from me.” How could we do that? How could we take the yoke of Christ and learn from him practically? What is the yoke of Christ?

A wise farmer put yoke on two oxen together, one veteran and one rookie ox. The veteran ox is familiar with the ways of the farmer. The strong rookie ox is new to farming. The veteran ox set the pace, and the strong rookie ox cannot go faster or slower because the yoke makes them work together collaboratively.

The prescription of Christ is his yoke, and the Holy Spirit is the expert who sets the pace as we follow Christ. Sometimes, we want to go faster, slower or even go sideways, and the Holy Spirit guides us, redirects us to the path that the Lord wants us to take. We sense rest in Christ when we follow his prescription. There is no other way. Christ is the way to fullness of life on earth and in heaven.

Reverent fear of the Lord is manifested in faithful obedience to him.

><((‘> .. ><((‘> … ><(((“> tmec\2024 <“)))>< … <‘))>< .. <‘))><

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published.