Specific Instructions (I)

Specific Instructions (I)

Fear the Lord

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13 [KJV]

Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 6:12-13

Welcome to another series. In this series titled, Specific Instructions, we will examine some instructions from God for His children. May we receive the grace to understand and obey these instructions in Jesus’ name.

Let’s start with the first instruction: Fear the Lord. Fear speaks of reverence, devotion and dedication. It is a conscious effort to respect and give honor to whom its due, when it is due and how it is due. From Genesis to Revelation, we are enjoined to fear the Lord with the whole of our heart because a relationship that is devoid of respect and honor is heading for an early termination. God is the Almighty, hence He is worthy of all honor. When the Bible speaks of fearing God, it is not to say that we are to be afraid of God, rather it means we are to show God absolute respect and be in awe of who God is. For instance, when we show adoration unto God, we are cognizant and mindful of God’s attributes-his loving kindness, favour, mercies and his awesome power.

David was someone who showed this attribute. His devotion to God was characterized by honour and reference for God. David, a shepherd boy who later became the king of Israel, knew that God was not his mate. David feared God. No wonder he wrote more than half of the book of Psalm to worship God. Through the power of God, he subdued the much-dreaded Philistine giant, Goliath. Apart from Goliath, David also faced many battles with Saul, the first king of Israel but he was able to overcome because he feared God and God was with him. It was written in 1 Samuel 18:14 that “David behaved himself wisely in all his ways; and the Lord was with him”. One of the benefits of fearing God is that we enjoy God’s presence.

When David was to fight with Goliath, he demonstrated utmost confidence in God’s ability to deliver the giant into his hands based on his reverence for God, he said to the Philistine “thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied” (1Samuel 17:45). Goliath was a man that had no regard for God and he even disdained God openly in his speech but David honored God with his entire life and during the conquest, he boldly declared his surrender to God and his ability to deliver Goliath into his hands. Dear friends, fear God and put your trust in Him and God will surely show up for you.

Action Point: Since the fear of God is the whole duty of man, then fear God!

Intercessory prayer: Lord help believers and our churches to fear You with all our heart.

Hymn: Thou my everlasting portion

More than friends or life to me

All along my pilgrim’s journey

Saviour let me walk with thee.