The Fear of the Lord: A Gateway to Wisdom
Jeremiah 36:16
Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.
Much is to be said of our necessity to fear the words of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10a states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” emphasizing that true wisdom starts with a deep reverence for God. The Hebrew word for ‘fear’ used in this context, "yir-aw," implies a moral reverence—an emotional response that combines fear mingled with respect and esteem. This reverential fear of the Lord carries with it a sense of dreadfulness, acknowledging the fearful prospect of falling into the hands of the living God, as noted in Hebrews 10:31.
However, it is crucial to understand that this fear of God serves as only the beginning of wisdom. Initially, before we enter into a personal relationship with Christ, there is the dreadful fear of judgment and Hell, which awaits those outside of His grace. This fear drives many to humbly seek redemption at the foot of the cross, seeking forgiveness for their sins. It is not God’s character we fear, but His role as the ultimate Judge of the Universe.
Upon trusting Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our salvation, our relationship with God transforms. Previously, we faced Him as Judge, but now, post-conversion, we encounter Him as Savior and Lord. Post-salvation, we are encouraged in Hebrews 4:16 to approach the throne of grace boldly, to obtain mercy and find grace in times of need. There is no more fear of condemnation for those found in Christ, as stated in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:7 reassures us that God has not given us a spirit of fear (from the Greek word "deilia," meaning timidity), but of power, love, and self-discipline. This new understanding empowers us as Christians not to be timid or lack courage but to embrace our identity in Christ fully. With this confidence, we can declare "No Fear" in our lives—no fear of the past, present, or future, because Christ has redeemed our yesterdays, strengthened our todays, and secured our tomorrows. Through Christ, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13), living boldly and without fear in the assurance of His love and power.
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, We will surely tell the king of all these words.
Much is to be said of our necessity to fear the words of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10a states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,” emphasizing that true wisdom starts with a deep reverence for God. The Hebrew word for ‘fear’ used in this context, "yir-aw," implies a moral reverence—an emotional response that combines fear mingled with respect and esteem. This reverential fear of the Lord carries with it a sense of dreadfulness, acknowledging the fearful prospect of falling into the hands of the living God, as noted in Hebrews 10:31.
However, it is crucial to understand that this fear of God serves as only the beginning of wisdom. Initially, before we enter into a personal relationship with Christ, there is the dreadful fear of judgment and Hell, which awaits those outside of His grace. This fear drives many to humbly seek redemption at the foot of the cross, seeking forgiveness for their sins. It is not God’s character we fear, but His role as the ultimate Judge of the Universe.
Upon trusting Christ and His atoning sacrifice for our salvation, our relationship with God transforms. Previously, we faced Him as Judge, but now, post-conversion, we encounter Him as Savior and Lord. Post-salvation, we are encouraged in Hebrews 4:16 to approach the throne of grace boldly, to obtain mercy and find grace in times of need. There is no more fear of condemnation for those found in Christ, as stated in Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.”
Furthermore, 2 Timothy 1:7 reassures us that God has not given us a spirit of fear (from the Greek word "deilia," meaning timidity), but of power, love, and self-discipline. This new understanding empowers us as Christians not to be timid or lack courage but to embrace our identity in Christ fully. With this confidence, we can declare "No Fear" in our lives—no fear of the past, present, or future, because Christ has redeemed our yesterdays, strengthened our todays, and secured our tomorrows. Through Christ, we can do all things (Philippians 4:13), living boldly and without fear in the assurance of His love and power.
~ Pastor Gary Caudill