The Israelite Deliverer stated, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12, NKJV). The Holy Spirit explicitly instructs the Hebrew nation to declare allegiance to the One who had taken them from bondage to salvation. Ten miraculous signs were given to all humanity as proof of Who holds ALL power under Heaven and Earth (Psalm 106:7). God’s grace and mercy delivered His people from destitute bondage, requiring them to be faithful to Him and Him alone (Exodus 20:5). But how does fear play into this faith?
The Hebrew writer declared, “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” (Hebrews 11:3). If the God of Israel is the God of all Creation, then is He also not the God of all life and destruction? (Genesis 19:28). Our Heavenly Father warns us to comprehend the magnitude of His saving grace or ultimate devastating nature (Romans 11:22). When allowed to provide lifesaving mercy upon His creation, He chooses compassion. But when His creation chooses to ignore His abundant kindness, we receive death (Joshua 24:15). God never desires to destroy (Matthew 9:13).
Unfortunately, too often, we forget or strive to take advantage of His Goodness with our stubborn yearning for disobedience (2 Timothy 4:10). Therefore, we do not need to fear God for fear’s sake. Instead, it would be apropos for one to consider what is foremost significant to the One who gives them life in the first place. Moses declared, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine” (Exodus 19:5). Obedience comes with simplistic acquiescence of selflessness and turning unto God. Not that we fear the Lord for fear’s sake, but a loving understanding, coveting the best of what God has to offer the soul (Matthew 5:29). Choose life…choose God, in upright fear.
-Archie R. Green
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