Lighthouse Renewal Center ã 2003
FEAR OF THE LORD
One of the
seven sanctifying gifts of the Spirit (the Isaiah gifts) is fear of the Lord.
We are told that this really means “reverential awe.” While this
is true, for many the explanation just doesn’t seem to compute.
Two young men
were discussing plans for the weekend. One was planning a drinking binge,
but his friend said, “I’m not going to drink and drive. If I were
caught by the police and thrown into jail for DUI, it would crush my mother.
I’m deathly afraid of hurting her, so I absolutely will not drink and
drive!”
This young
man’s “fear of hurting” was rooted in love. The foundation of the fear was
not terror, but a deep respect and love for his mother. His heart was
afraid of anything that would hurt her.
Fear of the
Lord—fear of offending Him—is wrapped up in a package whose foundation is
respect, awe, and intense love.
What a
tremendous sanctifying gift.
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Feb. 05