September 23, 2012

A Good Fear Nahum 1:5-7 The mountains quake before him and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, the world and all who live in it. 6 Who can withstand his indignation? Who can endure his fierce anger? His wrath is poured out like fire; the rocks are shattered before him. 7 The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. WHEN YOU read the Bible, you will often see a phrase that equates fear with knowing God. For example, Proverbs 1:7 the Fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. “Fear” and God don’t seem to go together, do they? Someone once asked me if “fear” was too strong a word. But, yes, God is one you should fear. Why? It is because he has the final say on your eternal life. He has the final authority on whether you will live in the torments of hell or the joys of heaven. Note the question, “Who can endure his fierce anger?” Indeed, no one can endure it. It is good for you to understand this. For if you do not fear God, you do not believe he has authority over your life. Without a sense of fear, you form God into your image. You then create him to be someone who will accept you on your terms. You will have the attitude, “If I live a good life, I’ll go to heaven.” The Ninevites likely thought they were living a good life. They were powerful and rich. They subjected Judah to their ways, and life was good for them. But then God stepped in to destroy Ninevah because they had no fear of God. Yes, fear the LORD’s judgment. Then know he is your refuge. He will save you from trouble forever. It’s True! A proper fear of God points you to a proper love for God.