Men
often confuse the fear of the Lord, with terror, or phobia, but true fear of
the Lord is neither of these things. True fear of the Lord has more to do with
reverence for the Lord, and respect for the Lord, than it does fear in the
sense we’ve redefined it in our modern age.
When
you boil it down to its essence, the fear of the Lord possesses three important
components. The first of these three aspects is the selfsame reverence for the
Lord we mentioned, and it is a necessary component. What you do not revere,
what you do not respect, you can neither obey nor lay your life down for.
Hebrews 12:28,
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us
have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly
fear.”
Reverence
and godly fear are like fingers on the same hand, always found together. Why
are reverence and godly fear necessary for us as believers? Because by
possessing these two, we are able to serve God acceptably.
Yes,
there is an acceptable way of serving God, and an unacceptable way of serving
God. There are sacrifices and offerings God receives, and others He does not.
We strive not merely to serve for the sake of serving, but to serve acceptably,
and in order to serve acceptably reverence and godly fear must be our constant
companions.
What
troubles me is that some will see these words as radical, even though they are
included within the pages of Scripture. Some might even say that they’ve never
heard something like that before, which again, is troubling for a different set
of reasons altogether.
The
fact that some people have written in and said they found this series on the
first epistle of Peter refreshing and new goes to show just how out of favor
true biblical teaching has fallen among the learned men of letters who call
themselves doctors of theology and other grandiose titles.
When
we possess reverence and godly fear we go about God’s work cautiously, we do
not do anything haphazardly, and we do not seek our own interest but only the
furtherance of the kingdom of God.
I
may sound like an old fuddy-duddy by asserting the following, but one need only
see how today’s average churchgoer dresses and how they act when within the
house of God to realize that there is not an ounce of godly fear, nor is there
any particular reverence for God.
If
you take more time to make sure you are dressed appropriately before going to a
concert, or going to a game than before going to the house of God, then your
actions betray the reality that you revere those things more than you revere
God.
No,
this is not about having a dress code in church, or mandating everyone wear the
same ankle length dress and three piece suit, it is not about being legalistic,
it is about being reverent, and letting everything that you are trumpet that
reverence, whether it be your attire, your mannerisms, your posture, or your
attention.
When
you go for a job interview chances are you don’t show up in sweat pants and an
‘I’m with stupid’ t-shirt, because you want to present the best possible side
of yourself, since you are hoping to acquire gainful employment by both your
qualifications, but also your appearance.
When
we don’t put forth the same effort when coming before the King of Kings that we
would going for a job interview, then I’m sorry, fuddy-duddy or not, there’s
something off-putting about that.
You
are come before the King! You are come before Almighty God! Show the reverence
and godly fear the situation calls for, whether it be in your choice of attire,
your being on time, your attentiveness, your worshipfulness, or your
veneration.
Be
in awe of God!
With love in Christ,
Michael Boldea Jr.
The Hour has Come>Word from the Lord given to me 8/27/14
ReplyDeleteThe end of all things is upon you. Listen closely to what I say. Do not fear, be courageous, I AM the Lord of Hosts. Your lives will change drastically but I AM in control. Fear not what you see coming to pass. These things must take place in order for My Plan to be completed. You will receive instruction as you wait on Me. You will want My instruction. Come close to Me. I AM your Lifeline and Hope. I will supply every need you have. Do not look at the natural because what you will see will seem hopeless. My anointing will be poured out upon those who have prepared themselves as I have directed. There is no limit to what I can do and will do as you trust in Me My Beloved. The devil knows his time is short but he is deceived, thinking he still has a chance to overcome Me. He will raise up many, fearful, adversaries against you. In the natural you will have no hope, but, I AM not natural, so hide away in Me. I have prepared places of safety for those who trust Me. Some will lay down their lives for Me but they will find peace and security in Me in those times. I have a reason for every circumstance. Remember this! I AM ALWAYS IN CONTROL! Do you have anything to do with the air you breath or your heart beating? I AM the source of Life and Death. All things are in My Hands, so be fearless. Remember My Word. Do not allow thoughts of despair and hopelessness to take hold. Gird up, I say gird up the loins of your mind! Cease from vanities! Beloved, great change is coming in the natural and the supernatural. For those who have prepared in Me will see and do the unimaginable. Truly, these wonders will bring many to Me at this last hour. Sadly, most will remain deceived. My sheep know My Voice, so listen for Me. Watch for Me. I AM about to break The clay jars of your lives to reveal My Glory through My Beloved. The hour has come.
doug maccallum