Fear that drives you forward!
What comes to mind when it’s the first week of July? Why of course America’s Independence Day! But we weren’t remembering the sacrifice of Americans who fought for independence. We were remembering the sacrifice of the One and only Jesus Christ, Son of God and Saviour. As it was the first week, we had communion. Therefore, we started off with prayer(as there were no ice breakers). You might say it’s boring, BUT GOING TO CHURCH AIN’T ABOUT THE ICE BREAKERS! It’s about meeting with God!
The prayer points were
- Safe journey for those who were going for vacation/going back to their hometown
- Worship session (led by Faith)
- The night’s speaker (Pastor Shamala AKA Didi)
Up next: It’s time to get intimate with God!
Right after worship was communion which was led by…
Alright… what’s next on the list? Hmm… ah, yes! Time for the weekly message!
Two weeks ago, this speaker spoke about “God is Holy” (Berlubang *pun pun pun*) Well this week, it’s a sequel to what she spoke and the title of the message is *drumroll*
«The Fear of God»
So, there are two kinds of fear. Godly fear & Ungodly fear. You may be asking, what are the difference? What does it mean to fear God? Well hold your horses, I’ll get there real soon.
The fear we have towards God shouldn’t make us run away from God. That is ungodly fear. Ungodly fear makes us hide away from the things we fear. But Godly fear is a revelation fear that respects the authority of God. Just as it is written in Hebrews 10:19 — Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have the confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.
There are a few verse in Proverbs that helps us understand the necessity to have the fear of God.
- Proverbs 1:7 — “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”
- Proverbs 9:10 — The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
- Proverbs 16:6 — “… and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil.”
A great example of someone who had the fear of God was the man after God’s own heart, David. In 1 Samuel 18, David has defeated Goliath and was praised by many. King Saul, however, got jealous and God sent an evil spirit to possess him. King Saul tried to kill David many times. In 1 Samuel 24–26, we see David having the opportunity to kill King Saul and end this goose chase once and for all. But David didn’t. Why? Well, that’s because David entrusted his life to God and he has the fear of God. He knows that God will be the one who will end his problems.
Before I end, here are a few Psalms written by David and also a scripture written by King Solomon
- Psalms 25:12 — Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
- Psalms 31:19 — How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.
- Psalms 34:7–9 — The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.
Ecclesiastes 12:8 & 13—8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
God bless and have a great week ahead! :)
