Christian Living

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THE FEAR OF THE LORD


“The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Prov. 1:7). We are thus alerted to the fact that the quest for knowledge is an on-going enterprise. Or, as I am fond of repeating, “The more we know, the more we realize that we do not know.”
But where should we begin in our quest? According to the sage, with the fear (reverence) of the Lord. Concerning whom it is said, “Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you” (Neh. 8:5-6). As such, he is assuredly worthy of our respect.
Not simply for who he is, but what he does. As with the gift of life, and then its maintenance. While we are inclined to take life for granted, it is a remarkable accomplishment. One that suggests that we were created with deliberate care, to glorify God and enjoy his eternal blessing.
“What makes life worthwhile is stretching towards God who is love and truth. That we reach out beyond our capacity is at once our pain, our adventure, our hope” (Hubert van Zeller, Considerations). If, fearing discomfort, we fail to reach beyond our capacity, we miss the adventure that life offers, and hope escapes us.
By what means do we revere God? “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God,” the psalmist allows. “They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm” (20:7-8). Trust in the Lord, and stand firm.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me” (Psa. 23:4). This recalls the deep ravines of the Judean hill country, where thieves and wild beasts preyed on the flocks. As such, a place well out of our comfort zone, where trust in our shepherd fortifies our resolve.
Likewise, obey the Lord. “Obey me, and I will be your God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may be well with you” (Jer. 7:23). Disobey, and one shows disrespect for the Lord. No less, life loses its focus.
In addition, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” (Rom. 13:1). Qualifications aside, if we fail to do so, we show disrespect for one from whom they have received their authority, and to whom they are responsible.
We further confirm our reverence for the Lord by cultivating a relationship with persons of like faith. As otherwise expressed, Christ calls us into community. This must be coupled with our personal devotion. Life alone does not substitute for life together, nor life alone for life together. Both need to be cultivated, with reverence for our common Lord.
In this regard, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25). If for no other reason, faithfully attend worship services. For in so doing, we are encouragement to others, and testify to our availability to them.
Finally, revere God by service to others. We are saved to serve, and service entails a broad range of needs: reaching from those pertaining to survival, such as food, shelter, and clothing; to interim matters, such as acceptance and security; to ultimate concerns, pertaining to our divine calling.
Meanwhile, do not expect others to do for us what we are unwilling to do for ourselves. Do not burden others with our self-indulgence. As those created in God’s image, and thus to reflect his character. Opt for wisdom, in the quest for knowledge.

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