Fearing God

When making plans for a new year, it is good to recall the many Bible verses that remind us to fear the Lord. Not because we want to avoid trouble but so we can walk in confidence.

The concept of fearing God is difficult. Some interpret fearing God as having great reverence for Him—a sense of awe and wonder when confronted by this God who is beyond comprehension. Certainly, that is truth, but not the whole truth.

There are keys that take the concept a bit further. When we look at Bible stories, we see that those who truly fear God are set free from normal fears. The fear of God thrusts them forward. David slew Goliath and Gideon routed the Midianites. (I Sam. 17 & Judges 7) And we read of Moses, By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the King’s anger. (Heb. 11:27a NIV)

In the book of Acts we read that the church was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord. (Acts 9:31)

We will not be flippant about our God if we fear Him. But we will be fearless in the face of oppositon. And we will be motivated.

Originally published December 30, 1982.

Sheep or Shepherds?

Shepherds are appealing as we anticipate Christmas—because God chose to announce Jesus’ birth to a group of lowly shepherds.

Shepherds are also a familiar Biblical metaphor. Shepherds are used to portray God Himself in the Old Testament. Ezekiel said, As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I [God] look after my sheep. . . . (Ez. 34:12a NIV)

In the new Testament, Jesus identified with shepherds when he said, I am good shepherd. (Jn. 10:11a) So it is fitting that shepherds were among the first to receive news of Christ’s arrival.

And yet, when An angel of the Lord appeared to them [the shepherds] . . . and they were terrified. (Lk. 2:9) Their response was understandable, but their reaction did not demonstrate an ability to care for others—or present a picture of God looking after His people.

So perhaps God had dual vision when He selected these particular shepherds. Perhaps He wanted to emphasize the shepherd image—and perhaps He selected specific shepherds who also represented sheep in need of salvation. When we look at the shepherds as sheep, we can identify with them—and identify with their quest for Jesus.

Originally published December 2, 1983.

Living in Anticipation

Anticipation can be almost as good as the actual event or item we wait for. That’s one reason why we love the Christmas season. The extended period of joyful expectation is half of the fun.

Strangely, even when anticipations are tempered by doubt or fear—or when prospects appear negative—we fare better than when we live with no expectations. The things we anticipate give shape and meaning to daily events. They provide direction and purpose.

The Israelites lived in anticipation—they waited centuries for their Messiah. And while they waited, God spoke to them through the prophets. The book of Isaiah tells us, He will feed His flock like a shepherd; He will gather the lambs with His arms, and carry them in His bosom, and gently lead those who are with young. (Is. 40:11 NKJV)

Perhaps the Israelites failed to see the promises were with them all the time. When they walked in doubt or fear, God gave them hope. When they sinned and faced judgment, He directed their vision beyond their circumstances to the joy of receiving forgiveness. Walking in God’s promises requires trust. The Israelites needed to believe that He loved them and to anticipate that He would move in their lives.

Originally published December 11, 1992

Rising above Taunts and Threats

David was a young boy who stayed home and took care of his father’s sheep during the early years of Saul’s reign. Out in the fields, he developed an intimate relationship with his God and he learned to trust God’s leading and protection. When his father sent him to check on the status of his older brothers who were part of Saul’s army, David had confidence in the God who had proven Himself faithful.

When David expressed his confidence, however, his brothers taunted him.

This was a test and an important first step for David. He would not have gone against Goliath if he had not first stood strong against his own brothers.

When he did go against the giant named Goliath in a fight to the death, Goliath came at him with threats as well as more taunts. The Bible says Goliath looked down upon him as someone insignificant. He cursed David by his gods. He said, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field. (I Sam. 17:42,44 NKJV)

David had something to say in return: I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts. . . This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand . . . for the battle is the Lord’s. . . . (v. 45,46) And once again, David prevailed because God gave him the victory.

If David was afraid, the Bible does not tell us. He knew his God and he knew his God was in control, regardless of anything that anyone might say.

Originally published April 18, 1986.

Only Be Strong

It’s never easy to replace a strong leader. Joshua had served as Moses’ assistant during the Israelites 40 years in the wilderness. As the assistant, Joshua witnessed multiple miracles. He led the Israelites in battle. He even entered the cloud of God’s presence with Moses when they climbed up Mount Sinai. Joshua received the best training possible.

But Moses had carried all the authority and all the responsibility. After Moses died, when Joshua assumed the position of leadership, Joshua responded as a normal human responds. He was afraid and he felt weighed down by the burden and challenge.

God prepared Joshua by speaking a Word into his heart that specifically addressed his fear: Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land. . . . (Josh. 1:6a NKJV)

Remarkable things happen inside a person who hears and believes God’s Word. Joshua got the message, and the people were ready for his leadership. They said, All that you command us we will do . . . Just as we heeded Moses in all things, so we will heed you.” (v. 16a,17a)

And so, when the time came to cross the Jordan and enter Canaan, Joshua was ready. He provided the leadership necessary for his army and for the people.

Originally published September 4, 1987.
Picture: Commercial display, Grand Forks, 2009. Photo by Solveig.