We can think of many situations in which we could say fear is good. Most of them have to do with severe consequences. For example, the fear of water or drowning if you cannot swim or working with things that can kill you. Greater than these is the fear of the Lord. Fear in relation to God refers primarily to reverence and awe but also to His judgment. Jesus said: “I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” – Luke 12:4–5. We are told in Scripture over two hundred times that we are to fear and reverence the Lord. Psalm 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him.”
Those who truly fear the Lord are those who trust and obey Him above all others and uphold His Laws such as, “loving your neighbor, do not kill, do not steal,” just to name a few that might be relevant. It is in these persons the Lord delights – Psalm 147:11 “The Lord favors those who fear Him, Those who wait for His lovingkindness.”
If the Lord delights in those who fear Him, we certainly should not fear those who do not. Psalm 27:1 says, “The LORD is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?”
To those who have no fear and reverence for God, the Lord makes clear, “they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” 1 Peter 4:5. So then, who do you fear? If you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you can with confidence say, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.” – Psalm 118:6. Would you like to know more about making plans? Contact us at 425-432-0634 or www.taylorcreekchurch.org. We would love to talk to you about the hope we have in Christ. You can also join us every Sunday at 9 AM for Sunday School and 10:15 AM for Worship. 21110 244th Ave. S.E., Maple Valley.
