You, Yourself are to be feared – (76:7). Asaph thought of the importance of giving honor and reverence to the great God, who is to be feared above all things. “Who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry”. Our respect and reverence to God should go beyond just admiration of His greatness. It is also connected to our knowledge of His righteousness, His power, and His authority as Judge. When God rises to judgment, to deliver the oppressed of the earth, God uses His righteous might, not to defend Himself, but to deliver all the oppressed. He cares about the poor and needy when He rises to judgment (76:8-9). But why should we fear the Lord?
- Because it is what the Lord requires of us – (Deuteronomy 10:12)
- Because it is the whole duty of man – (Ecclesiastes12:13-14)
- Because it is part our service to God – (Heb 12:28-29)
- Because we need wisdom – (Proverbs 9:10)
- The providential eye of God is upon those that fear Him – (Psalm 33:18-19)
But what does it mean to fear the Lord? The word for fear in this passage is the word “yare (yaw-ray), to revere, affright, cause to frighten, to dread. To fear God, is to love, honor, and respect and obey God. It’s a firm reluctance to displease God with a strong desire to do His will. The duty of man is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Why should we fear God? One reason is because of judgment, fear God because of His judgment (Revelation 14:7). The discipline of God should lead all to fear Him also (Deuteronomy 8:2-6). But it is the fear of God that keeps us from evil (Proverbs 16:6) (Proverbs 8:13). Where does the fear of God come from? Is the fear of the Lord something that all men/women have? Can you work it up? – No! – No man naturally fears God, it is outside His/Her ability (Psalm 36:1). He knows God exists by the natural creation, but he rebels against obeying Him (Romans 1:18-23). Fear of God is placed in man’s heart by the regenerating grace and mercy of God (Jeremiah 32:39-40). It’s the role of the Christian to fear God. We are to fear God – not man (Matthew 10:28).
The early church walked in the fear of the Lord (Acts 9:31) . We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12. Lord help uszz to fear You
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