IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, AUGUST 24, 2011
WHERE IS MY FEAR?
"A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master WHERE IS MY FEAR? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name" (Malachi 1:6, emphasis mine)?
The Scriptures tell us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). Yet, we are not accustomed to fear. We are taught to be bold and brave and fearless. So, we wonder: how is the fear of the Lord the beginning of wisdom? Fear is the beginning on a continuum that perhaps leads to passion. Fear is the first and primary way one shows respect in a relationship. We have manners, for fear that we may disrupt the order of things-- or offend. We are especially kind in relationships,because we are afraid we may hurt someone’s feelings. Children do what parents desire, for fear of punishment. In relationships, it is wise to show fear. It is especially wise to fear God who holds all power and might in his hand, so that none is able to withstand him (see II Chronicles 20: 6). How unfortunate and reckless is the one who does not understand the need for fear. Imagine a driver having no fear of the police officer. Imagine a wife having no fear of her husband. Imagine a child having no fear of his parent. Now, imagine a person having no fear of God. When we don’t fear someone, we quickly (unwittingly) despise them, as stated in Malachi 1:6.
But if fear is the beginning of wisdom, what is the end? I think we see the beginning and end of wisdom laid bare on the cross of Calvary, Jesus demonstrating ultimate wisdom in submission to his Father. Yes, Jesus had the fear of God; but more than fear, he had a passionate willingness to lay his life down, loving the obedience, finding great pleasure in the pleasing.
Today, let us repent and pray for fear-- as a beginning of wisdom.
