Friday, August 23, 2013

Fear The Lord

God:  “Oh, that they would always have such a heart for Me, wanting to obey My commandments (Ten Commandments). Then all would go well with them in the future, and with their children throughout all generations!” Deuteronomy 5:29 (TLB), see also Deuteronomy 5:6-21; Exodus 20:1-17).  

The Ten Commandments are the central requirements of God’s Law. These commandments summarize what the true and living God expects of His people in terms of faith, worship and conduct. Jesus Christ summarized the Ten Commandments at Matthew 22:34-40 with His Great Commandment of love (see also Mark 12:28–34; Luke 10:25-27). God wants everyone to respect and obey Him. Respect and obedience to God and His commandments ultimately bring true and lasting happiness and joy in this life and the eternal.

Throughout the Old Testament, readers will see the phrase “fear God” or “fear the Lord.” To fear God is a conventional phrase equivalent to “genuine worship” or “true religion” - righteous living. This fear does not mean fright or terror. Instead, fear of God means to reverential trust in God and obedience to serve Him wholeheartedly (see e.g., Psalm 15:4; Psalm 34:8-14; Proverbs 1:7).

God is kind, great, and forgiving (Psalm 130:4).  Those who faithfully obey and trust in Him will ultimately find heart peace and lasting joy (Psalm 34:10). But in order to experience these good days of peace and joy, we must continually shun evil, do good to others, and faithfully love God. To trust and obey is the essence of “fear of the Lord.” 

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God bless you! You are loved by God (Romans 5:5).