Toni Smothers
Scripture Reading: 1 Chronicles 21:16-20
Scripture Quote: When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. Revelation 1:16-17 (NIV)
Many of God's servants responded to various manifestations of God in sheer terror. Spiritual prophets, Kings, and apostles required supernatural strength through Divine intervention just to stand before the holiness of the Lord. Daniel had a holy vision and he was terrified. (Dan 8:17) Peter was immediately awestruck by Jesus' power and of his own sinfulness in the presence of Divine Holiness. (Luke 5:7-8) These are a few demonstrations of Believers fearing their God.
We attempt to fit the fear of God into a more palatable concept of simply honoring and revering Him. While reverence is certainly one aspect of the fear of the LORD, the bible also speaks of terror, falling as if dead and many aspects of compelling, sudden and violent fright. All this is not to say that our God isn't also loving and kind, because he most certainly is. Yahweh is intimate and personal - At the same time, awesome and beyond our comprehension. The fear of God is the heart-stopping realization of His Majesty and glory.
Today’s meditation: Real fear of God’s gigantic power is appropriate.
Memory Verse: Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV)