The Fear Of The Lord , Blessed Is The Man
The simplicity and power of the apostle Paul's preaching is well known through out the bible. Yet , most of the books of the new testament are of Paul's writings. In 1 Cor 2:3-4 , Paul confesses his inadequacy of (fears and weakness) but they are overcome by the spirit of God. I like to start by reading this scripture. [1 Cor 2:6-7] says: "Howbeit we speak wisdom amoung them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor the princes of this world, that come to nought. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery; even the hidden wisdom , which God ordained before the world unto our glory: " So Paul is revealing that there is the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom. Could you say that Paul had fears and weaknesses. I believe, Paul had the fear of the Lord in him, other wise he have not known about the wisdom of God. Let me explain. The unveiling of a mystery that existed before the foundations of the earth, is having the fear of the Lord in you. The knowledge of his existence could be the best decision you ever made in your entire lifetime. That , my friend is a good and wise investment . That will open up you revelations beyond your imagination. God can reveal to you the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. 1 Cor 2:5 says, "That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." When we talk about the fear of the Lord, it goes beyond emotions. Let me explain. We know that fear can alter our way of thinking. Our behavior, works with our decision making. We also know that fear is caused by a threat of danger pain or harm. It is the likelihood of some thing unwelcome happening. It also brings us into obedience. Laws of the land are put in place for our protection. If the laws are broken there are pentalies to pay. Thats the fear that keeps our unruly actions and behavior in a proper perspective . There is also, another type of fear that we should consider. The fear that is refered to as "reverence". The word reverence means; "deep respect " according to the Oxford English Dictionary. So, when we come to the understanding about the fear of the Lord, there is an emotional fear. John 3:36 says; "He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him." Surely the wrath of God would give you that emotional fear. But when we think about, a reverence fear, that puts things into a different perspective. So, the fear of the Lord is emotional as well as a reverence fear. Thats what I believe, the combination of the two takes us to a level of wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 1:7 says; "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction." The fear of the Lord is of great significance in our lives. It is the beginning of knowledge. Now, God gives us common sense. But there is a knowledge beyond ours, the fear of the Lord will take us there. Isa. 55:8-12 says: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth , so are my thoughts than your thoughts." The next few scriptures give us a discription of God's awesome power. Its his thoughts and words that brings forth life. Its his thoughts and words that will open the doors of opportunities. The word of the Lord goes on to say: "For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth , and maketh it bring forth the bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be lead forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands." Let me go on to say ,"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." I am talking, about the knowledge of God. The fear of the Lord is that step needed to be taken to enter into that spiritual guidance of holy counsel. God is our creator. He is the beginning and the end. What about the name that God revealed to Moses from the burning bush. "I am that I am. "Remember Isa. 55:8 says; "For my thought are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." So, what is, the knowledge of God. Well, the fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning. We need to incline our ear and apply our heart into God with meekness and fear. This is the process that is stated in proverbs. Let's read [Prov. 2:2-6] it says: "So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thy heart to understanding; Yes, if thou criest after knowledge, and lift up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Many people of God understand the meaning, the fear of the Lord. The implication was unbelievable. Nehemiah understood the spiritual relevance of the fear of the Lord. Nehemiah 5:9 say: "ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?" We all know about Joseph, how God gave him favor. Gen 42:18 says: "And Joseph said unto them the third day, this do, and live: for I fear God: The people of Israel feared God. Ex 14:31 says: "And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses." Certainly Job understood the fear of the Lord. Job 28:28 says; "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord that is wisdom: and to depart from evil is understanding." Those people of God had a great understanding of the God that they worshipped. They walked in the fear of the Lord. They knew by making this wise choice, that there is a spiritual accommodation that will be with them. The changing circumstances that God can perform in their lives will be a testimony unto him. Scripture makes it clear, understanding the fear of the Lord in you, miraculous things can happen. You are living under the authority of the living God. His mercy and grace is with you. His protection and favor is with you. Its all about your belief and faith in God. That will bring you to the fear of the Lord. Surely as unfortunate events are unfolding before our eyes. We will need the Lord for his holy guidance. There are things ahead of us that will be beyond our itellegence. The changing of the times are occuring. The future is getting near to God's word through the scriptures and the prophets. Certainly understanding the fear of the Lord will be an important part of our lives and our children. We are to share it with them, and teach them. It is for the generations to come. Ecclesiastes 12:13 says; "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else." Deut. 4:39 May the Lord God bless you and keep you always. This is a Voice Ministries message. All scripture from the King James Bible.
October 2009
 The Burning Bush |
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