The Fear Of The Lord

by J. Lindsay, Hamilton | Category: General | Jul 1971

"For Thou, 0 God, ... hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy name" (Psalm 61:5).

In a recent issue of Needed Truth our attention was directed to some outstanding characteristics of the churches of God in Judaea, Galilee and Samaria characteristics which should be evident in churches of God in any day. One of these characteristics was that they were "walking in the fear of the Lord" (Acts 9:31).

In Romans chapter 3 the apostle Paul, after drawing the terrible picture of human depravity, and declaring, "There is none righteous, no, not one", says of mankind in general, "There is no fear of God before their eyes" (v.18). When the fear of God is cast away man abandons all restraint and follows the lusts of the flesh and of the mind.

Such conditions were manifest, for example, in the days of Malachi's prophecy. The LORD said, "If I be a master, where is My fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, 0 priests, that despise My name" (1:6). But those addressed had no fear of the LORD, and this is evident from their arrogant rejoinder, "Wherein have we despised Thy name?" It was the same arrogance which hundreds of years later terminated in the awful cry, "Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas" (Luke 23:18).

But in contrast to those who despised the LORD'S name, there was in Malachi's day a small remnant of God-fearing people who were waiting for the King-Messiah. Note the force of the word "then" in Malachi 3:16. This small company were not content with mere outward show, or with the round of religious observances, but in a very real sense were seeking after God. He who searches the hearts read their thoughts and heard their words. They did not seek prominence - they were walking in the fear of the LORD, obedient to His word, jealous for the honour of His name and looking for the coming of Messiah. The joy they brought to God can be measured in His commendation,

"They shall be Mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in the day that

I do make, even a peculiar treasure" (Mal. 3:17).

We also read in Malachi of the honour given to Levi in teaching the law of the LORD to the people of God in that day. This is closely associated with the fear of the LORD:

"My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him that he might fear, and he feared Me, and stood in awe of My name" (Mal. 2:7).

Associated with the fear of the Lord are certain "precious and exceeding great promises". In Psalm 34 David rejoiced in the deliverances he had experienced: He "delivered me from all my fears" (v.4); He "saved him out of all his troubles". Then comes one of the sweet promises to those that fear the

LORD:

"The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that

fear Him, and delivereth them" (v.7).

Those walking in the fear of God will find difficulties and dangers in their pathway, but God has provided for such an invisible, impenetrable shield. Abraham knew of this provision. Like a night wind from the desert fear must have laid hold on this great man of faith: then came the assurance: "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield" (Gen. 15:1).

"In the fear of the LORD is strong confidence" (Prov. 14:26). This truth is seen in the lives of all who have stood for God. The fear of God enables His servants to rise above the fear of man. The fear of God will cleanse our ways (Psalm 19:9) and restrain injustices (Neh. 5:15). Fear of God will bring reverence for His Word, and honour to His name. David pleaded:

"Come, ye children, hearken unto me:

I will teach you the fear of the LORD" (Psalm 34:11).

"Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD,

That delighteth greatly in His commandments (Psalm 112:1).

J. Lindsay, Hamilton | Jul 1971
General