Christianity And CULTURE

By Stephen Campbell

Multitudes gathered to hear John the Baptist when he began preaching at the Jordan River (Lk. 3:7-14). When the crowds desired to repent, he said they should prove the reality of their desire by sharing with the poor. To tax collectors who asked what they should do, he told them about honesty; and when soldiers asked, he spoke about gentleness and contentment. Each group of people lived within a set of experiences that not only defined who they were but also created unique challenges. In the same way, as Christians we do not merely exist in the world but we participate in a particular set of activities based on where we live and who we are. Since we are God’s people, we can bring His beauty into our surroundings; yet that same environment often resists our testimony for Him.

Understanding Culture
The atmosphere we live in is often called our “culture.” This term encompasses the values, preferences and behaviors that collectively characterize a country, region or society of people. Many details of our culture are simply an inescapable part of who we are. Things that are considered polite, proper, funny, rude, interesting or important are all impressed upon us as we live in our own societies. For example, some nationalities or ethnic groups are emotionally expressive while those from other regions tend to be more stoic or reserved; and there is a large number of such characteristics that vary from one culture to another.

Many cultural norms, or typical behaviors, simply reflect basic ideas about life and are well suited for expressing Christian beliefs. In a society that values hard work, Christians can work as unto the Lord. In a culture that appreciates creativity, Christians can write poetry or produce art that glorifies God. In our families, our school and work lives, and our personal attitudes, we Christians can display the beauty of Christ as we participate in our culture.

Culture can also influence the different ways Christians live out their faith. These differences can still be God-honoring even though they may seem unusual to other cultures. An enthusiastic style of Christian singing may seem improper to a believer who has grown up in a more reserved culture – just as the expressive believer might view classical-style hymns as cold and lifeless. Yet both individuals may well be singing to the Lord in a pure, selfless expression of worship. In some cultures, men and women sit separately in Christian meetings, while in others the entire family sits together. These cultural traditions are not detriments but merely facts about who we are and where we live.

Similar features of culture are illustrated by godly people in the Scriptures. When Joseph was made a ruler in Egypt, he lived according to Egyptian cultural norms. He accepted the honor that was appropriate to his position and worked to improve the prosperity of the country (Gen. 41:42-45, 47:20-26). His language and appearance were so thoroughly Egyptian that he was not at first recognizable to his family; and he also followed the conventional separation between Egyptians and Hebrews when it was fitting to do so (42:7-8,23, 43:32-34, 46:33-34).

Similarly, when Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon they excelled at learning its literature and knowledge, and they desired the good of the king (Dan. 1:20, 4:19). Later, under Persian rule, Mordecai followed cultural regulations against public mourning in the king’s courtyard (Est. 4:1-2). In the New Testament Paul circumcised Timothy in order to remove a potential cause of offense to others even though circumcision had been publicly declared unnecessary for Christians (Acts 15:5,10-11, 16:3).

In these situations, God’s people not only lived within their culture but beautified it. They conducted themselves honorably, not merely out of respect for local customs but out of reverence for their Lord. Paul said, “I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man” (Acts 24:16 ESV). Godly people enrich their culture by their righteous integrity.

Yet the analysis of culture also contains a warning because culture often makes demands that go outside of the bounds of godliness. Daniel refused to eat the king’s food because that would dishonor God (Dan. 1:8). Mordecai refused to bow before the king’s nobleman, even though that was both rule and custom (Est. 3:2). In Paul’s time Gentile believers were to shun the rampant sexual immorality that was acceptable in their cultures (Acts 15:20; 1 Th. 4:3-4).

The Discerning Christian
These facts reveal that Christians must use careful discernment about culture. It would be wrong to disengage from our culture, both because it is not the scriptural way and because it is not really even possible to do so. Yet it would also be wrong to believe that every aspect of our culture can be “Christianized,” because many aspects are directly opposed to God’s ways.

This assessment reveals the challenge of the Lord’s instruction to be in the world but not of the world (Jn. 17:6-18). For centuries, Christian gatherings have wrestled with the application of this precept. Some respond with the error of isolationism, which leads to a set of moral codes that demand something which God’s grace does not. Others err by assimilation, adopting present-day cultural attitudes because they view the Word of God as a relic of its own culture that must therefore be reinterpreted when times change.*

The discerning Christian sees a more biblical response than both of these errors. That discernment requires dependence on God and His Word, and therefore this approach to life is challenging, not simplistic. By the Holy Spirit’s guidance, however, the relationship between culture and faith can be lived out in ways that honor God among believers and unbelievers alike.

Guiding Principles
It is true that we are all products of our culture, yet culture takes a back seat to Christianity. Peter wrote about the “brotherhood” of believers (1 Pet. 2:17, 5:9), using a unique word to portray the Christian union as a bond that surpasses aspects of culture like gender, ethnicity, nationality or custom. Christianity must be our foremost characteristic! The writer of this article is a white American man, and all those characteristics exert a cultural influence on daily life. But I should not primarily consider myself a white Christian or an American Christian, interpreting principles of Christianity through the lens of those cultural facts.

Therefore, a related point is that we cannot allow culture to dictate how to apply Christian principles. Culture must defer to historical Christianity, which Jude 3 describes as “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” In Jude’s time, unbelievers had infiltrated the Church and used the grace of God as an excuse for sins like greed and rebellion. Relying on the historical, God-given principles of Christianity will establish us in the truth, so even if greed and immorality become normal in a culture, we will still recognize those sins for what they are.

Another danger develops when culture becomes so entwined with faith that we consider our traditions to be actual Christian principles. For example, Peter had to be divinely instructed to share the gospel with Gentiles. He and others had thought they should not even keep company with non-Jews (Acts 10:28, 11:3). Such restrictions had been aspects of the Jewish oral tradition and are contained in writings of the Jewish rabbis – but they are not in the Old Testament Scriptures. Moreover, the Lord Jesus had already told His disciples that all nations would receive the gospel (Lk. 24:47). The separation which they thought God wanted was only a cultural tradition, one which exceeded God’s Word as well as Christ’s own verbal instructions.

The lessons of Acts 10:1-11:18 are weighty. Because culture is the atmosphere in which we live, it is easy to believe that the ways we practice Christianity are the correct ways, when in fact our culture has sometimes colored our perspective. In Peter’s case, culture went beyond Scripture. In other cases, culture and Scripture might coexist for us personally, but they might clash strongly elsewhere. Some Christians have certain views about alcohol, tobacco, coffee, clothing, music and so on; and these have become connected with scriptural reasons in the minds of believers in that culture. Yet Christians in other cultures may be far more tolerant or far more restrictive about the same issues, and they will also have scriptural explanations for their views.

Culture is not universal, and although the Word of God does not yield to culture, there is often more than one way to live out the same truth. The discerning Christian seeks to distinguish essentials from preferences. What roles should women take in the Church? What is the significance of the head covering? What kinds of jewelry are appropriate? What leisure activities are acceptable? Some of these matters are addressed very precisely in the Bible and are therefore not questions of culture. Other points are addressed indirectly, and still others are not mentioned at all; in those cases, we seek godly principles that satisfy scriptural standards and our own Christian consciences.

Sometimes believers in different areas reach different conclusions, yet we must always be careful when criticizing other believers since we naturally tend to agree with those most like our own cultures. This caused difficulties in the early Church among some who distributed funds for widows and among others who simply shared a meal together (Acts 6:1; Gal. 2:11-13). We will be prone to the same errors if we evaluate the non-essential preferences of others based on our own experiences. If a subject is not addressed explicitly in the Bible, we should try to appreciate the liberty that is in Christ, who taught us that defilement is not caused by external matters but by what arises in the heart (Mk. 7:14-23).

A further principle is that all cultures can come to God where they are. The council of apostles and elders in Acts 15 affirmed this truth. Whereas some insisted that Gentiles must be circumcised – that is, become like Jews – in order to be saved, the council was guided by the Holy Spirit to declare only that believing Gentiles should live pure lives, mentioning four essential points but nothing more (15:5,28-29). In both foreign missionary work and neighborhood evangelism, the temptation is to tell new believers, “This is the way you do it,” providing them with our own styles of music and other lifestyle choices. If we trust God, He will guide them into the most suitable expressions of the truth. He does not ask us to make people into proselytes who simply act like we do (Mt. 23:15).

Because all people can call on the name of the Lord where they are, it is important for Christians to be active participants in their culture. This does not mean we should adopt the ungodly aspects of the rest of the world. But if we are living like the salt of the earth and light of the world (Mt. 5:13-16), we should actively and intentionally bring the beauty of Christ into the school groups, community activities and neighborhood events around us.

Reviewing Implications
People in various regions are united by their culture; yet barriers of age, language, ethnic background, income and similar issues drive wedges between them. In the Church, we should act with purpose to show that these factors do not hinder our oneness or influence our understanding of God’s eternal Word. Instead, let us testify of the Lord faithfully, using culture as a vehicle for Christ-centered living while overcoming its influences – not conforming ourselves to the spirit of the times but proving God’s good and perfect will (Rom. 12:2).

Partiality and Acceptance “And a voice spoke to [Peter] again the second time, ‘What God has cleansed you must not call common.’ This was done three times … Then he said to them, ‘You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean’ … Then Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him … And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission [forgiveness] of sins.’” —Acts 10:15-16,28,34-35,42-43 NKJV

ENDNOTE
* In the middle of the 20th century, a man named H. Richard Niebuhr described five ways Christians have historically viewed culture, including the opposing perspectives mentioned here. His book Christ And Culture, published in 1951, additionally identified some believers who separate faith and culture; some who consider it a paradox that Christians inhabit the realms of both faith and culture; and some who believe culture should be transformed by the Christian faith. The “paradox” view is most similar to the position taken in this article.

CULTURE: Opinion, Prejudice And Perception

By Roger Penney

Culture consists of many things, history and religion among them. It affects our perceptions; therefore opinions and prejudices are often those of our particular social or religious group and its traditions. We tend to be driven very strongly by the thinking of other people, influenced by our parents and family, and then our society.

In 1904 Gustave LeBon published a book he called The Crowd. This was decades before Adolf Hitler worked out his techniques of control by mass rallies, news, entertainment and schools. LeBon saw a crowd as a very strong influence. Being a Christian often involves rejecting the influence of the crowd and other sources to stand alone and think for oneself, according to His Word and like many prophets of old.

When it comes to truth we find that we are up against practices held by our culture such as worshiping celebrities and the following of their beliefs. This is not new. The love for and loyalty towards those whom history records as great men is well documented. The love for Caesar by his soldiers is well known, as was that for Napoleon, Hitler, Stalin and a host of lesser tyrants.

Standing For What?
What is less well known is the courage and determination of brave men and women who defied popular culture to do what was right and pleasing in the sight of God. In England the anti-slavery movement was led by men and women like Wilberforce, Clarkson, Thornton and Moore. In the United States other brave persons defied popular opinion, which saw black slaves as lesser beings, and formed what became known as the “Underground Railroad.” This was a network of safe houses stretching from the slave-owning south to the north or to Canada to help escaping slaves, both men and women, from the plantations to freedom.

The slave owners and traders in Britain and America published misinformation about the lot of the slaves, giving the impression that the slaves were better off in a civilized country than in the alleged barbarianism from which they were “saved.” The clergy was told that to take people from Africa to Europe or America was to open them up to conversion to Christianity. Millions believed these lies.

The Quaker movement took up a campaign, beginning in the seventeenth century, to tell the truth about the abominable trade in human flesh and to stop it. Members of the “Society of Friends” were forbidden to own or trade in slaves. If anyone did they were put out of the movement. George Fox, its founder, even set before the governor of Barbados the question, in effect, “How would you like to be a slave?”

In Britain, Wilberforce saw a bill passed in Parliament outlawing the slave trade in 1807. It took another 27 years for slavery to be banned in the then extensive British Empire. The massive task had been to change the opinion of the rich and powerful, and that of the slavers themselves. In this they had a mighty ally: the Word of God.

Exodus 21:16 says, “And he that stealeth a man, and selleth him, or if he be found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death”(KJV). This was an effective incentive in a society which generally believed the Bible to be the Word of God. Not only seen as being real, they also saw God as One who knew and judged the thoughts, words and deeds of men. To realize that you have been disobeying God in a matter so serious that the death penalty was prescribed by Holy Writ must have had a profound effect on the slave traders and others who profited from the abominable trade.

The events in Britain encouraged the persons responsible for the semi-secret Underground Railroad and much of the public opinion in the United States finally turned against slavery. Abraham Lincoln was then able to carry out a pledge made when a young man, having caught his first sight of slavery, to “hit that thing.”

This may encourage us not to lose heart as we see the English-speaking world losing its Christian basis. Indeed, the cultural values are worsening, subtly undermined by those who regard Christianity as outmoded and disproved. “Surely the fear of God is not in this place” (Gen. 20:11).

Depending And Thinking On What?
Scripture warns us that things will be “as the days of Noah were” (Mt. 24:37). We are also warned of the rise of the Empire of Rome and its resurgence in the last days. During the first Roman Empire the lower classes were controlled by the Emperor and the Senate of Rome by two powerful means. First, corn was given to citizens eking out an existence on the edge of starvation. This was to keep them from rebelling and venturing from the vast slum into respectable areas of the city. Second, in this desolate place filled with gangs and violence, the people were given games so they would not “think too much.” There was chariot racing in the Circus Maximus as well as gladiator fighting and beast hunts, with plenty of blood and suffering, in the Colosseum. The citizens were entertained and their leisure hours taken up so they would not rise up against the government. The Emperor and Senate could go on in peace, running the empire and getting rich on the proceeds.

So what has changed? Nothing much at all. The ethics of big business and politicians are often highly questionable and the lower classes have benefits and television. The young listen to mind numbing entertainment and music on their smartphones and other devices while they wander aimlessly with nothing better to do through the wasteland of this world.

Culturally accepted practices have changed in the past through the work of God. But in today’s world we may wonder, “What can a believer do?” I would like to share one example with you.

Presenting What?
Recently a Christian drop-in center opened on London’s High Street. People come in for tea and a chat. It is a brilliant idea where once we thought the only place for gospel preaching was in a mission hall on a Sunday morning or evening. I am not suggesting that we all open drop-in centers as we must, like the couple whose vision it was, pray much about these things. But in the midst of a hostile society we can still get the Word of the gospel to the people. God will lead us if we ask.

There are “giants in the land” (see Numbers 13), giants of atheism, evolution, greed, false religion, selfishness and hatred toward God and His Son. Does it matter? The psalmist wrote: “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against His Anointed, saying, Let us break Their bands asunder, and cast away Their cords from us” (Ps. 2:1-3). Take courage! Man’s action against the Lord Jesus Christ and in disobedience to God’s Word is futile.

We have a commission to fulfill but we have to put our own house in order first. If there are serious rifts among us and if we are unsure what to believe, then we only have ourselves to blame. Paul’s words to the Philippian church are particularly relevant today: “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind … Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:2-5). We may see this as an ideal that is not possible on this side of heaven. But the Holy Spirit would not have inspired Paul to write this had it been unattainable. Once we are reaching toward what honors God and are showing that Christians really do love one another, then and only then can we begin to influence the world around us. “By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another” (Jn. 13:35).

What if the world will not listen? Well, that is the world’s problem! At least they will have heard and the Lord will be able to say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Mt. 25:21). Do not let us think that there is a revival just around the corner. It may not be so. People will still reject the message we bring – rejecting the Word of God and God Himself, a dreadful thing to do!

Ezekiel was told that he was a watchman and had to sound a warning that danger was approaching. To sound the warning was to discharge his own responsibility, whether the people listened or not (Ezek. 3:4-7,10-11, 33:1-11). Do we owe it to the people around us? We who know the Word of God are to speak it to this generation while living the Word before them.

We can surely see what God is doing, what He has planned to do and has prophesied accordingly. “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is: and I will give it to Him” (Ezek. 21:27).

When Confronted By CULTURE

By Paul Alberts

It is easy to get caught up in the many issues of our world. Sometimes we may feel forced into tolerating views or practices contrary to God’s Word, particularly when a group with whom we are linked takes such a position.

One of our writers this month reminds us that “being a Christian often involves rejecting the influence of the crowd and other sources to stand alone and think for oneself, according to His Word and like many prophets of old.”

You may remember that the December 2015 Grace & Truth Magazine focused on the prophet Jeremiah. We saw in him the struggle of a faithful individual in a culture that practiced what was in opposition to God’s desires. Jeremiah could not simply leave the people, and he was burdened, experiencing physical hardship in his stand for the LORD.

How should a Christian respond to different social issues? What about the local gathering of believers, the church? With some issues the answer is simply to separate. But in other situations separation is not possible. Looking back, we find that believers have already faced many dreadful issues, giving us practical lessons for today. In these examples we can also see characteristics of the day of apostasy which is yet to come, after believers meet the Lord in the air.

Maybe like me, as you read this month’s articles, you will be encouraged. The Lord, even now, is calling sinners to repent and follow Him. Day and night His glory is seen in what He created. He is still using His own to give a testimony for Himself. The Lord Jesus desires that we would faithfully serve Him, taking that humble, servant’s place to fulfill His purposes among those who have no hope. We see Him, having already done the same, “crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9 NASB). “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him; worship the LORD in holy array” (1 Chr. 16:29).

Magazine January 2016

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Emphasis: New Beginnings -Paul Alberts
Worship: The Grace Of The Lord Jesus Christ -John G. Bellett
Feature: The Fear Of The Lord -A. M. Behnam
Feature: What The Fear Of The Lord Does For Us -Roger Penney
Feature: What Does The Fear Of The Lord Mean For The Believer Today? -Alfred Bouter
Feature: A Fear Worth Having -Martin Girard
Discover: Discover Questions -Alan Groth
Series: Some Practical Instruction … On Selfishness -Alfred T. Schofield
Serving: Moses Choice At The Age Of Forty -G. Andre
YouAsked: How did Moses get direction and help in the wilderness? -Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.
Uplook: From A Prayer Of David -Alfred Bouter
Overview: Isaiah -Leslie M. Grant
Response: Responses
GoodNews: A Friendly Warning -F. W. C. Wurst
Full Magazine PDF: Magazine PDF

From A Prayer Of David

By Alfred Bouter

Introduction
Two psalms, 17 and 86, are entitled “Prayer.” The word “prayer” (Hebrew tephillah) is used 77 times in the Hebrew Bible.

In his prayer of Psalm 17 and by faith, David placed himself in the presence of the LORD, asking Him to listen to him and intervene to plead his cause. David recognized God’s righteousness and holiness, and he submitted to His standards because he wanted to be right with God. In contrast to the actions and ways of men and of those who oppose God, David tried not to deviate from God’s path, either in word or action. He called on the LORD, confident that God would answer him. David prayed that the LORD would protect him as the apple of His eye and keep him under the shadow of His wings, away from those who oppose him. These were violent, arrogant people, contrasted by those who have the qualities of true disciples (see Matthew 5:3-9). In his distress, David asked for God’s intervention, keeping his trust in Him and confident that one day he would be satisfied with the LORD’s presence in the world of resurrection.

A Key Verse
In the middle of this prayer we find verse 7, consisting of only six words in the Hebrew. These words are like pearls representing great riches. Compare two translations with the Hebrew text:

New King James VersionNew American Standard BibleHebrew Text
Show Your marvelous Wondrously show Wondrously show
loving-kindness Your loving-kindnessYour
loving-kindness
by Your right hand, O Savior You who save
O You who saveof those who take refugethose who trust [in You]
those who trust in You at Your right hand from their
adversaries (literal:
from those who rise
up against them]
from those who rise up against them.From those who rise up against them.with [or, “at”] Your right hand.

In the third column, the English words in each box are translated from one word in the Hebrew text.

A Few Considerations
Let’s ponder a few thoughts as we consider this wonderful verse, using the Hebrew text as a guide.

I say “wonderful” because David’s prayer “Show Your marvelous loving-kindness” is closely linked to the Hebrew word for “wonderful” that may also be translated as “marvelous.” The Scriptures use it only in relation to God. The root of this word occurs 98 times (or 7 x 14) in the Hebrew Bible, in several forms. It is one of the names of the LORD and of the Messiah and is contained in the English words of miracle, marvelous, wonderful and admirable. David’s prayer implies the desire that God would show Himself in a marvelous way, according to who He is and expressed in His name “Wonderful” (Isa. 9:6; compare with Judges 13:18).

The second Hebrew word implies a connection between what God does and what He is: God is good and His goodness expresses who He is. God wants those who believe, His children, to reflect His goodness (or steadfast love) in their actions, words and attitude. Biblically, the Hebrew term Chasidim, meaning pious or holy ones, represents believers reflecting the goodness of God. Of course there is always a difference between God and those who reflect something of Him, but what is implied is the link between the Holy One, who is good, and His holy ones.

The third word in the Hebrew text addresses the One who saves. There is a close connection between Jesus as the One who saves, the Savior (Mt. 1:21), and the fact that He is the Messiah, God (Emmanuel, v.23). The Jews consistently reject both points, but the gospel of John reconfirms their importance: “These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (Jn. 20:31 NKJV). Saul of Tarsus, immediately after his conversion, affirmed that these two great truths are inseparable one from another: Jesus is the Son of God and He is the Messiah (Acts 9:21-22). Wonderful Savior! “I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no savior” (Isa. 43:11).

“Those who trust [in You]” represents those who have been saved and are marked by the fact that they have learned to put their trust in Him. They learned this from the Man Christ Jesus, our perfect model, who as a man on earth always put His trust in God (Ps. 16:1). Here are a few of the 42 times that this verb is used:

  • “… under whose wings you have come for refuge” (Ruth 2:12),
  • “Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him” (Ps. 2:12, total of 25 times in Psalms),
  • “He knows those who trust in Him” (Nah. 1:7), and
  • “I will leave in your midst a meek and humble people, and they shall trust in the name of the LORD” (Zeph. 3:12).

The release from those who oppose the faithful, or “who rise up against them,” is something only God can do, as the end of the psalm suggests: “Arise, O LORD” (Ps. 17:13). “Arise” is one form of the verb “to oppose” or “to rise.” So David’s prayer involves the thought that God may rise up against those who oppose or rise up against His people. Faith realizes that God is its only remedy.

“Your right hand” is a personification of God Himself, sometimes represented by His “hand” or His “arm” (Isa. 53:1,10). “Your right hand, O LORD! has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces” (Ex. 15:6). “Let Your hand be upon the man of Your right hand, upon the Son of Man whom You made strong for Yourself” (Ps. 80:17). “The right hand of the LORD does valiantly” (Ps. 118:15). “Your right hand shall teach You awesome things” (Ps. 45:4). Finally, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Ps. 16:11). The right hand or arm implies power and represents a position of favor (Gen. 48:18; Ps. 110:1,5).

Conclusion
This short verse of six Hebrew words (Ps. 17:7) displays wonderful points on the person and work of the Lord Jesus and of our God and Father. May His Spirit, who dwells in us, produce in us similar desires as we see in David in this beautiful psalm and verse, realizing that we live in the age of grace.

To Him be the glory both now and forever!

QUESTION: How did Moses get direction and help as he led the people of Israel through the wilderness?

Answered by Eugene P. Vedder, Jr.

ANSWER: Hebrews 3:5 presents Moses to us as a faithful servant over the house of God. This passage refers back to Numbers 12:6-8 where God says that unlike other prophets to whom He would speak in visions and dreams, He spoke plainly, face to face, with Moses. Yet Moses is pictured as a servant in contrast to Christ who is far, far greater, being Son over God’s house.

Whether in Egypt, on top of Mount Sinai, from the entrance to the tabernacle, or wherever it might have been, God spoke directly to Moses and through him to the people. This was God’s purpose, for Moses was to be a type of Christ through whom God has spoken to His people.

But Moses felt himself insufficient for the task entrusted to him and in need of human help. In contrast to Christ, he had some helpers. The first one mentioned was Aaron, his brother, whom God appointed as his spokesman when he complained that he was not eloquent (Ex. 4:14-17).

In Exodus 17, Amalek attacked and Moses put Joshua in charge of the fighting men while he himself went up to the hilltop with the rod of God to pray. But Moses’ hands, unlike Christ’s, got heavy. Aaron and Hur put a stone under Moses to support him while he prayed and they supported his arms uplifted in prayer.

Joshua seems to have been with Moses practically from the exodus out of Egypt. He was one of the two men over 20 years old when Israel came out of Egypt who ultimately entered the land of Canaan. Joshua made a few mistakes that Scripture notes, but as Moses’ servant he doubtless learned much from him. God later chose Joshua to lead His people into the Promised Land.

To lead a people numbering more than 600,000 fighting men plus their wives and children, along with a mixed multitude of tag-alongs, was a tremendous undertaking for God’s servant Moses. Early on their wilderness journey, in Exodus 18, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro brought Moses’ wife and sons to him and stayed for a brief visit. Seeing Moses spend the day from morning till evening judging the people, Jethro suggested that Moses lighten his load by only intermediating between God and the people and teaching the people what God wanted them to do. He also suggested that Moses appoint faithful, able, God-fearing men over the people as rulers of thousands, hundred, fifties and tens to judge small matters. Only major matters would then be brought to Moses’ attention to bring before God. Moses welcomed this suggestion and sought to implement it.

We find this account in Exodus 18, and it is apparently this that Moses refers to and elaborates on in Deuteronomy 1 as he reviews the events of the wilderness journey with the people shortly before his death. It is interesting to see that while he and Israel had accepted his father-in-law’s counsel, good advice from the standpoint of human wisdom, we never find it referred to as coming from God nor do we ever find instances of its being successfully implemented. On the contrary, at least a year later when God had led Israel on from their long encampment at Sinai, where they had built the tabernacle and its furnishings, we find the people continuing to complain.

The second instance of complaints, in Numbers 11, caused Moses to complain bitterly to the Lord (vv.11-15). He told God, “I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me.” God then told him to gather seventy men of the people of Israel, elders and officers over them, to stand with him at the tabernacle of meeting. God said that He would talk with Moses there and that He would take of the Spirit that was upon Moses and put it upon these seventy, that they would bear the burden of the people with him. This was done, and these men prophesied. But in the final analysis we do not find them lightening Moses’ load or that, by God’s putting of the Spirit that was on Moses on these seventy, there was any multiplication of the Spirit of God. Indeed, we can well say there was now more machinery and greater complication, but no more of God’s Spirit!

God still spoke to Moses, giving him direction. God’s servants doing God’s work at God’s direction will always find God’s grace to be sufficient for them. He may well be pleased to give them help, for fellowship in His service is a sweet and encouraging grace. But help that His servants try to find or devise for themselves will never attain to God’s gracious provision for them. May we learn to lean hard on Him rather than depend on human wisdom or resources!

The Grace Of The Lord Jesus Christ

“Neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord.” —Isaiah 55:8 KJV

By John G. Bellett (Adapted)

Provoked And Proved
We are aware that in many different ways our fellow disciples try and tempt us, as, no doubt, we do them. We see, or we think we see, some bad quality in them and we find it hard to go on in further association with them. Yet the fault may be with us – mistaking a want of conformity of taste or judgment with ourselves for something to be condemned in them.

But the Lord could not mistake things in this way. He was never overcome by evil, but was ever overcoming evil with good – the good being in Himself. Pride, ill temper, indifference about others, carefulness about themselves and ignorance after painstaking instruction were some of the things in His disciples which He endured continually. His walk with them, in its way and measure, was a day of provocation much as the forty years of Israel in the wilderness had been. Again and again, Israel tempted and provoked the LORD, but in this they proved Him as well. He suffered, but took it patiently. He never gave them up. At the end of their walk together, He was nearer to them than ever.

Perfect and excellent this is, and comforting to us. The Lord’s dealing with our conscience never turns His heart from us. We lose nothing by His rebukes. He is quick to restore our souls that the conscience, so to express it, may be enabled soon to leave His school – our hearts finding their happy freedom in His presence again. We may think of this hymn:

Still sweet ‘tis to discover,
If clouds have dimmed my sight;
When passed, Eternal Lover,
Towards me, as e’er Thou art bright.

Perfection
In the character and course of the ministry which He was called to take up, we see for each and every moment the same perfection and moral glory as in the path He trod daily. For example, consider that of Judge as in Matthew 23 and that of Advocate or Pleader in Matthew 22. I only suggest this, as the theme is too abundant.

His every step, word and action carried with it a ray of this glory. The eye of God had more to fill it in the life of Jesus than it would have had in an eternity of Adam’s innocence. It was in the midst of our moral ruin that Jesus walked, and from that region He was sent up to the throne on high. His was a richer sacrifice of sweet-smelling savor than Eden and the Adam of Eden would or could have rendered had they continued unsoiled forever.

The Same
Time made no change in the Lord. Kindred instances of grace and character in Him, before and after His resurrection, give us possession of this important truth. We know what He is this moment and what He will be forever from what He has already been, in character and in relationship to us. He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Heb. 13:8). The very mention of this is blessed.

Sometimes we may be grieved at changes and sometimes we may desire them. In different ways we all display the fickle, uncertain nature of human life. Circumstances, associations, friendships, affections and characters continually undergo changes which surprise and sadden us. We are hurried from stage to stage of life; affections and principles rarely staying the same with us.

But Jesus was the same after His resurrection as He had been before, though events had put Him and His disciples at a greater distance than companions had ever known or could ever know. They had exposed their unfaithful hearts, forsaking Him and fleeing in the hour of His weakness (2 Cor. 13:4) and need. He, for their sakes, went through death – a death as never could have been borne by another as it would have crushed the creature. After His resurrection the disciples were still poor, feeble Galileans, yet He was glorified with all power in heaven and on earth (see Matthew 28:18).

Grace Amid Doubt
Their forsaking Him did not change His love toward them. “Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,” as the apostle expressed, could do that (Rom. 8:38-39). Love defies them all; and He returned to them being the Jesus whom they had known before. He was their companion in labor (Mk. 16:20). On the sea in the day of Matthew 14 they thought that they saw a spirit and cried out for fear. But the Lord gave them to know that it was He Himself who was there – near to them and in grace, though in divine strength and sovereignty over nature (vv.22-33). And in Luke 24:40-43, after He had risen, He took the honeycomb and the fish, eating before them that with certainty and ease of heart they might know that it was He Himself.

In John 3:1-21 He led a slow-hearted rabbi into the light and way of truth, bearing with him in all patient grace. And thus did He again in Luke 24 with the two slow-hearted disciples who were finding their way to Emmaus (vv.13-35).

Mark 4:35-41 tells how He calmed the fears of His people before He rebuked their unbelief. He said to the wind and waves, “Peace, be still,” before asking the disciples, “How is it that ye have no faith?” Likewise, as the risen One, in John 21, He sat and dined with Peter in full and free fellowship, as without a breach in the spirit, before He challenged him and awakened His conscience by the words, “Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me?” Peter had boasted earlier of special self-confidence: Though all should be offended, yet he would not, and though he should die with his Master, he would not deny Him (Mt. 26:35). But Peter’s Master had told him of the worthlessness of such claims; and He had told him of His prayer for him, that his faith should not fail (Lk. 22:31-32). When the boast was found to have been empty and Peter denied the Lord, even with an oath, his Lord looked at him. The prayer and the look availed. The prayer had kept his faith from failing and the look had broken his heart. Peter did not “go away,” but he wept bitterly (Mt. 26:75).

At the opening of John 21 we find Peter in the condition in which the prayer and the look had put him. He was enabled to give very sweet proof that his faith had not failed; for as soon as he learned that his Lord was on the shore he threw himself into the water to reach Him. This was not done as one who was repentant and sorrowing because of wrongdoing. Rather, it was as one who could trust himself to the Lord’s presence in full assurance of heart. In that character his most blessed and gracious Lord accepted him, and they dined together on the shore. The prayer and the look had already done their work with Peter and they were not to be repeated. The Lord simply went on with His work already begun to conduct it to its perfection. Accordingly, the prayer and the look were followed by the word.

Perfect Master!
He is the same to us yesterday, today and forever – the same in His gracious, perfect skill of love and going on with the work He has already begun. As the risen Lord, the service which He had left when He was taken away from His own He resumed from the point where it was suspended, knitting the past to the present. His was and is a service in the fullest grace and skill!

By John G. Bellett (Adapted)

Not as Thy ways, our ways
We bow before Thy face;
Not like Thy thought, our thought,
As by Thy Spirit taught.
Not as our ways,
Thy ways! Savior,
Thy name we praise;
Not as our thoughts,
Thy thoughts,
Told by Thy love-work wrought.

A FEAR Worth Having

By Martin Girard

Do you ever feel afraid? There are many reasons why fear can be experienced. Fear is typically considered to be a sign of weakness, and we can feel ashamed of admitting that we are fearful. However, there is one kind of fear that need not make us ashamed: “the fear of the Lord.” What makes this “fear” different?

The Bible says “the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever” (Ps. 19:9 KJV). It is not a temporary fear. We are also told that it is “the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). This fear is never found in the ungodly. In his analysis of such individuals, Paul concluded, “There is no fear of God before their eyes” (Rom. 3:18). Believers today often find themselves surrounded by ungodly people who have no fear of God.

Instances
The first time that fear is mentioned in the Bible is in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve hid themselves among the trees of the garden because they were afraid (Gen. 3:8-10). They had disobeyed their Creator and felt ashamed of facing Him. Years later the nation of Israel stood beneath Mount Sinai as God communed with Moses. The thunder and lightning, the cloud, the earthquake and the trumpet’s blast filled the people with fear. Like Adam, they did not want to face God or hear His voice (Ex. 19:16, 20:18-19).

Although these are Old Testament incidents, God has not changed. The Lord Jesus said that God is to be feared because of His awesome power by which He can “cast into hell” (Lk. 12:5). But when we think about “the fear of the Lord,” we must not think of being afraid. This God, who is “a consuming fire,” wants our service. In order to serve Him acceptably, with reverence and godly fear, we need grace (Heb. 12:28-29). “Fear of the Lord” is not therefore a cringing fear that drives us from Him, but it is reverence for One who is so great. With this godly fear we can serve God acceptably.

Frequently in Scripture fearing the Lord is contrasted with the worship of idols. The people of Israel were to “fear the LORD” and serve Him rather than the gods of the surrounding nations (Dt. 6:13-14). Idols are the product of man’s imagination and are unable to help anyone. Instead, Israel was to “trust in the LORD” – the One who was “their help and their shield” (Ps. 115:4-9). Fearing the Lord is therefore closely connected with trusting in Him, and it results in experiencing His blessing (vv.11,13).

Fear Required
Shortly before his death, Moses reasoned with the people of Israel and summarized the divine requirement this way: “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Dt. 10:12). In his final words at the end of his reign, David declared that a king ought to display this fear of God as he ruled (2 Sam. 23:3). The writer of Ecclesiastes (believed to be Solomon) concluded his book with the words that “the whole duty of man” was to “fear God, and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13).

Preachers who proclaimed God’s word to His people frequently stressed the importance of fearing the Lord. Joshua, in his closing address, reminded the Israelites of God’s goodness and challenged them to “fear the LORD, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth” (Josh. 24:14). Samuel exhorted the people similarly, to “fear the LORD, and serve Him in truth with all your heart” (1 Sam. 12:24).

The Way To Blessing
“The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear Him” (Ps. 147:11). Indeed, every one who fears Him is declared “blessed” (128:1). We are assured that “it shall be well with them that fear God” (Eccl. 8:12). The Hebrew midwives who “feared God” rather than Pharaoh, refusing to kill the newborn baby boys, experienced God’s blessing (Ex. 1:15-21).

In the New Testament we read about Cornelius, a devout man whose earnest prayers were answered through Peter’s visit and the accompanying blessing of God that came to his household. All this can be traced back to the fact that he “feared God” (Acts 10:2). Truly “the secret of the LORD is with them that fear Him; and He will show them His covenant” (Ps. 25:14). We read in Scripture of many individuals who enjoyed close fellowship with the Lord and were given a special revelation of His purposes because they feared Him.

Shortly after Saul’s conversion God was blessing the Church and building up His people because they were “walking in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31). God-fearing believers can rejoice in the near presence of the Angel of the LORD and experience His deliverance (Ps. 34:7).

It is certain that the only way to know the Lord’s blessing is to fear Him. His great desire is that His people might fear and obey Him, “that it might be well with them” (Dt. 5:29).

Results Of Fearing The Lord
We have already noted the connection between fearing the Lord and obeying Him. A number of other results of fearing the Lord are described in God’s Word. One is praise. When the people of Israel saw how the LORD had defeated the Egyptians at the Red Sea, they “feared the LORD” (Ex. 14:31). Moments later we find them breaking forth into a song of praise to celebrate the LORD’s mighty triumph over their enemy (Ex. 15:1).

Another feature resulting from fearing the Lord is unity in fellowship. The author of the longest Psalm was obviously a God-fearing person, for he wrote: “They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me” (Ps. 119:74). Those who truly fear the Lord are glad when they meet other believers who fear Him too. Godly Nehemiah was motivated by “the fear of God” and recognized its importance in the fellowship of God’s people (Neh. 5:9,15). He entrusted Hananiah with a special responsibility because he knew that he “feared God above many” (7:2). At the close of the Old Testament the LORD took special note of those who feared Him, thought upon His name and spoke often to one another about Him (Mal. 3:16). How necessary it is today to seek the fellowship of like-minded believers who fear the Lord and are intent on pleasing Him.

If we want to obey God we will be careful to avoid the things that do not please Him. Joseph feared God (Gen. 42:18) and therefore refused the seductions of Potiphar’s wife. To accept her immoral invitations would have caused Joseph to “sin against God” (Gen. 39:9). It was the fear of the LORD that kept him from sinning. This is another result of fearing the Lord, and Joseph’s example illustrates well the exhortation: “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Prov. 3:7).

Very Practical
Joseph’s experience shows us that fearing the Lord is not merely something to think about. It has profound effects in our lives. This kind of reverent fear caused Noah to take God at His word and build the ark, thus providing a means of salvation for his whole family (Heb. 11:7). The fear of the Lord is important in our own service too. From the days of his youth, Obadiah had “feared the LORD greatly.” As a result he cared for the endangered prophets of God and provided food for a hundred of them who were hidden in two caves (1 Ki. 18:3-4,12).

Those who fear the Lord are patient and ready to wait for God’s time. When David was presented with an opportunity to kill Saul, his enemy, he would not. Saul was still “the LORD‘s anointed” and David recognized that God would remove him in His own time (1 Sam. 24:4-6).

The practical nature of fearing the Lord should be seen in the workplace where employees obey their employers and serve them well, “fearing God” (Col. 3:22). Daily employment must be carried out in the conscious awareness that the Lord is watching what we do, and all our work must be done as unto Him (v.23).

Much More
As God’s children we need to learn constantly about “the fear of the Lord.” It will affect our speech and our behavior, keeping us from the paths of sin and leading us in a right way that pleases the Lord (Ps. 34:11-14). Interestingly, this same psalm speaks of the LORD delivering His people from all their fears (v.4). The words of Tate and Brady’s famous hymn that begins “Through all the changing scenes of life” might be a fitting conclusion:

“Fear Him ye saints; And you will then have nothing else to fear;
Make you His service your delight, Your wants shall be His care.”

This article is used by permission from Skyway Messages, adapted.

What Does The Fear Of The LORD Mean For The Believer Today?

By Alfred Bouter

The exact phrase “[the] fear of the LORD” – transcribed from the Hebrew as Yirath YHWH – occurs fourteen times* in the Hebrew Bible, of which ten are found in Proverbs. Including other forms, we have 14 occurrences in Proverbs. Remarkably, the same book mentions the fear of man only once: “The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe” (29:25). The Hebrew uses a different word here, for trembling or anxiety instead of true fear. Indirectly, this verse gives an important key to understand Proverbs, for the fear of the LORD is linked with faith in Him, trusting Him.

After the fall, Adam said, “I was afraid” (Gen. 3:10) – from the same Hebrew root “fear.” “The fear of the LORD” does not mean to be afraid of God, but it is to have a reverential awe in view of His greatness. It implies respect, confidence, dependence, trust and a walk in fellowship with the Lord.

Reading verses about the fear of the Lord brings great comfort and encouragement while challenging us to continue in His ways according to the perfect example of our blessed Lord. This kind of fear is embedded in, or an essential part of, a close relationship between God and His own. It is marked by respect, love and obedience with the desire of pleasing Him.

Psalm 19:9 indicates that the fear of the Lord is “clean” or “pure,” in perfect harmony with God and with what is right, true and just. This psalm links the wonders of God’s creation to the wonders of His written Word. It then connects them to the psalmist’s desire to be in tune with God – in a personal, transparent relationship with his great God. The fear of the Lord is part of an intimate relationship between the Creator God, who is the Redeemer, and His redeemed ones whom He loves. God’s Word produces a harmonious bond between Him and His own. Such fellowship needs to be well nurtured, as expressed in David’s prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:14 KJV). Consider Job’s comment: “To man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding’” (Job 28:28). Surely this is wise counsel, from what is probably the oldest book in the Bible!

The Fear Of The Lord In Proverbs
As we consider the fourteen verses in Proverbs about the fear of the Lord we see that they are usually built on the concept of parallels, the second part elaborating on the first part of the verse. “And” indicates a similarity between the first and the second part of the verse, whereas “But” indicates a contrast. Sometimes a comparison or connection between the parts of the verse is of a different nature, communicated through other means, for instance in Proverbs 14:27.

We should note that the expression “Be not afraid” or “Fear not” is from the same Hebrew root and occurs 40 times in the singular, addressed to one individual or group. It is found 38 more times in the plural addressing two or more individuals. All different forms, derived from the same Hebrew root, occur 437 times in the Old Testament, besides other words and terms not discussed in this article. In the Greek New Testament, the equivalent noun phobos and its related verb-forms occur 77 times in the Gospels, 21 times in Acts and 60 times in the other books. Of this total of 158, about 47 are linked with the admonition not to be afraid.

A Few New Testament Examples Of The Fear Of The Lord
“The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. His delight is in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears” (Isa. 11:2-3). This Old Testament prediction was fulfilled in the Lord Jesus as He walked on this earth, even after His death and resurrection. We see this quality in the many saved ones, taken from among Jews and Gentiles, who now represent Him in this scene, waiting for His return (1 Th. 4:14-18). The New Testament speaks of the fear of the Lord first in relation to the Lord Jesus, as in the quote from Isaiah, and secondly in connection with the believers who follow the footsteps of Christ. Despite tremendous opposition from various sides, the work directed by the glorified and exalted Lord Jesus in heaven continued irresistibly – and does so today.

Luke provided seven reports in Acts describing and summarizing this progress, of which the third is found in Acts 9:31: “Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” It gives the conclusion about the remarkable increase that took place despite all kinds of opposition, and it follows the dramatic conversion of the persecutor Saul of Tarsus. The mention of the fear of the Lord and the believers walking in it shows that they were closely following Jesus’ example. It also explains the secret of the progress they made, both numerically and spiritually. The greatest opponent of this progress, Saul of Tarsus, became a devout follower of the despised Jesus of Nazareth even though the Jewish majority still rejected Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God – like today. The believers to whom Saul was joined represented all kinds of differences, but they were kept in unity as they walked in the fear of the Lord. At the same time, God the Holy Spirit was working on earth in happy harmony with the Lord Jesus Christ, who was directing this work from heaven – something He continues to do now.

Let’s conclude with James 3 and the wisdom from above (v.17). In James 1:17 we read about the Father of lights and the resources believers have in their relationship with Him as they walk in the fear of the Lord. James 2 shows that the Lord Jesus in heaven is the Lord of Glory and that the believers are to represent Him here on earth. We learn that Abraham, who loved God, was ready to give Him his own son. The same chapter shows that Rahab abandoned idolatry and prostitution, for she came to love God and His people. Because of this love, she was ready to denounce her own people. The resources needed to do this, in the fear of the Lord, are described in James 3:17: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” The Lord Jesus used this wisdom as He walked here on earth in the fear of the LORD, displaying these seven wonderful qualities. Those who walk in the fear of the Lord can learn them, but only in the school of God. These seven things are to be displayed for His delight in a world still opposed to Him – the same world that crucified Him.

May our eyes be turned on the Lord Jesus to follow His example! Indeed, may we walk in the fear of the Lord while waiting for His promised return.

ENDNOTE
* In Ps. 19:9, 34:11, 111:10; Prov. 1:7, 2:5, 8:13, 9:10, 10:27, 14:27, 15:33, 19:23, 22:4, 31:30; Isa. 33:6.

What The Fear Of The LORD Does For Us

By Roger Penney

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” —Proverbs 1:7 KJV

The more we learn, the more we grow; and the more we grow, the more we learn. This applies to the Christian life for the more we learn about God and His plans for us as seen in His Word, the more we are in awe of Him, respect Him and fear Him. This healthy and godly fear has a very profound effect on our lives for good, saving us from foolish behavior that leads to danger. Not to fear God is folly. It is a sign of ignorance and leads to prejudice, disobedience, unbelief and anarchy.

Fear As A Process
When the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we fear the wrath of God and turn to Him in repentance. As we grow spiritually we learn more of this healthy fear which persuades us to walk in His paths. This is a learning process. “Gather the people together,” God commanded Moses, “… that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law” (Dt. 31:12). God instructed Moses to explain the importance of this to succeeding generations. The effect of one generation’s living in godly fear would be a very powerful influence: “And that their children, which have not known any thing, may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it” (v.13).

Knowing that God is love we may wonder why we should fear Him. It is natural to question difficult matters. Clear teaching by elders and more experienced Christians can be helpful for our understanding. For this purpose the writer to the Hebrews drew an analogy between the heavenly and the fleshly, and the spiritual and the natural. He wrote: “We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness” (Heb. 12:9-10).

Through the weakness of our flesh and the subtlety of Satan we are prone to mislead ourselves. To fear God and submit to correction is wise. To do so is clearly for our good even when we are not fully aware what that “good” is in God’s eyes. Only God knows the future and the dangers surrounding us.

Fear With Trembling
The word “reverence” as used by the writer of Hebrews is one aspect of fear. In the Dictionary of New Testament Words, W. E. Vine explains that the original term has a variety of meanings in English, such as respect, deference and regard. In the Old Testament we find the word for reverence also translated “fear,” with related words of “trembling” and “terror.” Such a connection is perfectly proper.

We may come face to face with God in a variety of ways. My own experience as a young man was of being in grave danger one day through my own folly. Later a dear, elderly Christian lady to whom I used to give a ride to the assembly meetings, asked me if I had been in danger at a certain time. It came as a severe shock that God would move this dear old lady to pray at any time of the day or night for me or for any of His dear saints. I was truly filled with fear that God was watching me so closely. This experience has never left my thoughts for very long.

We see this aspect of fear displayed when the apostle John had his vision of the risen Lord about to judge His churches, Israel and the world. John wrote, presumably with fear and trembling: “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the First and the Last” (Rev. 1:17). Moses too, when God called to Him out of the burning bush, “hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God” (Ex. 3:6).

We can perceive some of the emotions felt by the participants in these graphic accounts of God’s people. This is one of the wonders of the Bible: It is written not only so we may simply go by the words; but we also see emotions and sense the feelings of those portrayed.

Godly Fear And Obedience
At this point we can observe how godly fear may motivate obedience in the most trying situations. Abraham was “the friend of God” (Jas. 2:23), yet God put him through some very serious and challenging trials and testings. One example of this is when God instructed him to take Isaac, his only son, to Mount Moriah and offer him there as a burnt offering. When the Angel of the Lord stayed his hand and directed him to the ram caught in a thicket, He said to Abraham, “For now I know that thou fearest God” (Gen. 22:12).

In this story of Abraham and Isaac we see the discipline and testing which God will put us through that we might grow to be like His Son, the Lord Jesus. As we grow we are given more responsibility, and then we are tested. We go on knowing that true wisdom is to follow God’s directions – walking by faith and not by sight, for “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). So we come to a clearer understanding of the awesome and terrifying greatness of God’s power, justice, judgment and righteousness.

As our understanding grows we are challenged to put what we have learned into practice. Indeed we cannot learn unless we already possess a willingness of mind. “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine” (Jn. 7:17). True wisdom is found when we find the courage and have the motivation to put God’s will for us into practice. Often we fail in this, but God is gracious and patiently bears with us, granting us repentance and more opportunities to serve Him.

The question is: “Whom do we fear – God or the world?” Certainly “the fear of man bringeth a snare” (Prov. 29:25). Isaiah gave us sound advice when he wrote: “Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself; and let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread” (Isa. 8:13).

Fear Of The Lord And The World
We have thought about the fear of the Lord mainly in the Christian context. There is a much wider field to observe how this can work to the benefit of the world. Also, the lack of the fear of the Lord works to the detriment of the world, ultimately to the very destruction of this world system over which Satan rules.

The whole world lies in the wicked one (see 1 John 5:19). This being so, it is more likely that the inhabitants of this world and world system will hate God rather than fear Him. The Lord Jesus said to His brethren, “The world cannot hate you; but Me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil” (Jn. 7:7). Abraham saw this after the sordid incident when he denied that Sarah was his wife. He excused himself, saying, “Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake” (Gen. 20:11). We can see from the Bible account of the time of Abraham that the Middle East was in an anarchic and lawless state. Frequent wars between the nations are well documented in Scripture and secular accounts.

We may argue with conviction that the fear of the Lord makes for a settled and peaceful society. The lack of it leads to disruption, anarchy and lawlessness – precisely the world situation at this present time, with only the expectation that conditions will get worse. The personification of wisdom warned that “the fear of the Lord is to hate evil.” He then went on to declare, “By me kings reign, and princes decree justice” (Prov. 8:13,15). Here we see again that wisdom is associated with the fear of the Lord.

Showing how the fear of God can be corrective in a society, we see that Nehemiah rebuked the nobles and others for taking usury from the people and otherwise exploiting them. When the people complained to him of the injustice by the rich and powerful, he recorded: “And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them … Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God … but so did not I, because of the fear of God” (Neh. 5:6-9,15).

Clearly what was required was a strong governor and popular support for just legislation, with the law being strictly enforced. Lawlessness will flourish, but when people are motivated by the fear of the Lord, things may change. The fear of the Lord is a powerful corrective against anarchy and prevents evil from flourishing – whether in our hearts, gatherings or nations.