From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God. Revelation 4:5
I absolutely love thunder and lightning. I run outside to listen and see, or at least watch out the window. Not too long ago we had a rare thunderstorm here. Our dogs were outside, I heard the thunder, and suddenly our two pups were jumping into my lap. Max, the smallest, had never heard thunder before and he continued to shake for a long time that evening while I comforted the best I could. He was really afraid.
Donielle encouraged everyone to read Revelation 4 on Monday. I remember reading it in my teens as a new believer, and the descriptions of the creatures with many eyes etc. were scary to me. I didn’t really understand. But I knew that it was talking about God’s power and glory and gave a glimpse of eternity.
Later, I learned that no one can be truly wise unless he/she fears the Lord. Proverbs says that the fear of the Lord is the “beginning” of wisdom — that is, it is the most essential component. If you do not fear God, you do not have wisdom. And what does it mean to fear God?
Psalm 103:13, As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
In the Hebrew, the word translated fear is yir’âh (yir-aw’), which is a fear defined as “morally reverent”. This form of the word differs from the more typical usage meaning afraid or frightened (yârê’ (yaw-ray’)
1 Samuel 12:24 reminds us . . .”Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, Who walks in His ways.”
The term “fear of the Lord,” occurs more than a dozen times in the book of Proverbs. This is not just” respect, but it also does not imply terror or panic. The idea is one of humility, deep reverence, and submission.
Our close walk with Him depends on that healthy fear/reverence for the Holy God who not only loves us unconditionally, but allows consequences to discipline us when we make unwise choices.
“Only fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you.” 1 Samuel 12:24
How do you see God’s power and glory demonstrated in the physical world around us?
Deb Hill
EFCC Member