True Fear of the Lord
Whenever I’ve read the words “fear of the Lord” or the places where Scripture tells us to “fear the Lord” or similar phrasing, I was always taught, and so believed, that it was a deep respect or reverence. But as I have read and studied Scripture, I must say that isn’t a correct understanding of what the Bible instructs.
Throughout the Bible, in both the original Hebrew and Greek writings, the word used for “fear” of the Lord literally translates to fear, as in to “take flight”, “run away”, or “be afraid”. Abraham lied to Pharaoh about his relationship with Sarah because of his fear. When the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, and pretty much anytime an angel visits somebody, the first response is fear and the first instruction is “do not be afraid.” It is the same word used repeatedly when speaking of the fear of the Lord. Jesus uses the exact same word to instruct his disciples to fear God. The fear of the Lord is literally that: FEAR.
And we should be afraid. This is Almighty God. He is a just God. Sin and evil are the object of His absolute wrath, and we are all sinners. I am a sinner; you are a sinner. We have, in our sin, incurred God’s wrath and deserve it. In the interest of self-preservation, we are fully justified in having a fear that would make us want to run and hide. A real encounter with Almighty God will begin with utter fear. As Isaiah said: “I am undone…” (Isaiah 6:5)
But God is also good and patient and merciful. He condemns sin but offers grace to the sinner. He offered a way to be free of wrath. He gives grace, despite His ability to destroy. In a dichotomy that is beyond human comprehension: I should be afraid, because He could snuff me out in an instant for my sin; yet I need not fear because of the grace of God and the work of Christ Jesus on the cross. I have been granted unrestricted access to the throne of Almighty God. I have been plucked from the fire. (Zechariah 3:1-5)
It would be wrong of us to weaken the fear of God into mere respect. It needs to be true fear, an understanding of His power and righteousness and justice. But that fear should be the catalyst that causes us to praise and worship Him. Not out of obligation or retribution, but out of awe. Be amazed that the perfect majesty of God wants you to enter His presence. And stand in awe as He poured out His wrath on a part of Himself so that you could be spared and enjoy His love. Fear provides the foundation for the grace and the glory of God.
