Fear -- Some Biblical Thoughts
Ghosts, goblins, spiders, and scary costumes are all things which we'll be seeing a lot of this week. During a time when children don't mind being scared as it's tempered with lots of candy, the innocent fear is something to smile about. In the Bible, however, fear has a much more serious tone and important lessons for us to learn.
When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they attempted to hide from God, knowing that they had disobeyed the command of their Creator. When God asked where they were, Adam said he hid because he was "afraid" (Genesis 3:9-10). This was the first time that this powerful word was ever used in the Bible. Knowing that he and his wife had disobeyed the very One who breathed humans into existence, Adam was very right to be afraid of God almighty.
One particular use of the word fear is in regards to the fear that we should have of hell and the overall results of disobedience to God. Jesus said, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matthew 10:28). The Bible teaches us on numerous occasions that God wants us to be saved, desires us to live with Him, and has done all that is necessary in order to make that happen. Yet, the fact remains that God is to be feared given the fact that He will decide whether we go to heaven or hell.
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira's lie led to their death. As a result of this, the Bible tells us that "great fear" came upon the brethren (Acts 5:5). Felix, after he was taught by the Apostle Paul about Jesus and salvation, trembled in fear, knowing he needed to make his life right with God (Acts 24:25). All of us understand why these instances of fear occurred. To consider meeting our Maker and being fully prepared to answer for the way we've lived is a great thought. But, to think about being unprepared before His great throne is a very frightening and "fearful" thing (Hebrews 10:31) .
An additional use of the word fear as used in the Bible is in regards to the respect that we are to have for our Maker. Abraham was commended for fearing God when he proved his faith by offering his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God (Genesis 22:12). And, the real purpose of life, according to King Solomon, is to "fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Fearing God is necessary as we always strive to appropriately respect our Father whose existence and power is infinite.
During a time of the year where we might be a bit more afraid than at others, perhaps reflecting on "fear" in the Bible will be advantageous to us as we work to honor our wonderful, powerful, and loving God. As we think about our service to Him, let us fear what can happen if we refuse to obey Him and let us respect Him as we strive to please Him in all that we do.