The Fear of the Lord

 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instructions”

(Prov. 1:7)

In general, the fasting period popularly known as the Lenten or Ramadan period among the believers of the Christian and Islamic faiths respectively signifies the time of strict spiritual abstinence, and obedience to the precepts of God. Often believers tend to become closer to God in words and deeds showing remorse and repenting over past behavior and promising God to be of good behavior in their future actions. In short, they are acknowledging the absolute power of God over their lives, and the realization of this infinite power of the Lord to create, elevate, stagnate or even destroy creatures without any trail at His Will. The fear or dread of the Lord stems from this realization, and it is often at its peak during the Lenten period. Two pertinent questions arise: firstly, what exactly does it mean to fear the Lord; and secondly, does the fear of the Lord limited by time or by season?

Firstly, the Ten Commandments of the Lord are clearly stated in Exodus 20, and the two greatest of them all are as explained in Matt. 22: 37-40. These are: first, “Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (vs. 37); and second, “Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself” (vs. 39). In a nutshell, the love of God and the love of neighbors are the necessary and sufficient indicators to show who fear the Lord. Obedience to these two precepts is fundamental to knowing people that fear the Lord. In other words, those that fear the Lord shall: honor their parents, not kill, not commit adultery, not steal, not bear false witness against neighbors, and shall neither covet neighbor’s wives nor properties. Anyone in whatever sphere of influence that departs from these precepts lacks the fear of the Lord, and he is only fit for perdition if he fails to repent of these heinous sins.

Importantly, in Deut. 28 the benefits of obedience and the costs of disobedience of the Lord’s precepts are clearly spelt out there: for the former, “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shall hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God …” (vs. 1-14); and for the latter, “But it shall come to pass, if thou will not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe to do all His commandments and His statutes which I command thee this day; that all these curses and woes shall come upon thee, and overtake thee …” (vs. 15-68). Jesus Christ also emphasized in Matt. 5:19 that, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in in the Kingdom of Heaven”. Thus a pertinent question is: if all that profess to be Christians or believers fear the Lord in truth and in holiness, why are there differences in doctrines and narratives about our Lord Jesus Christ in the Church of God today?

Secondly, in 2022 the fasting periods of both the Christians and the Muslims coincided, what does this coincidence portends to the discerning minds? Obedience to the Lord’s precepts is evergreen or timeless for the true believers. It is not seasonal, and it is expected to be adhered to at all times whether during or after the fasting period. Previous fasting becomes senseless and of no benefits, if believers failed to imbibe and obey the true precepts of the Lord in their daily lives. Thus, the current coincidence is a divine sign that the Lord desires every true believer irrespective of religion, faith or denomination to turn a new leaf, abhor sins, avoid fake prophets and clerics, and follow Him in truth and holiness henceforth. 

The Bible says “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free”. These nuggets of advice shall be helpful to all:

§  To the individual, in the confines of your heart ask your Creator to reveal Himself to you so that you can serve Him appropriately; and also ask the Lord thy God to reveal the secrets of your Pastor, Imam or Prophet, and your place of worship to be sure that you have not fallen into the hands of the fake ministers;

§  To the family, parents should allow their children to know their Creator, and serve Him with their whole heart, soul and mind. They should allow the Will of God to prevail in the lives of their children, and not forcing their personal wills upon them;

§  To the government, leaders and followers should fear God and realize that every position occupied is held in trust, and they shall be held accountable for their deeds or misdeeds at the appropriate time; and

§  To the society, be mindful of the neighbors around you by showing concern for their wellbeing, the peer group your children keep especially their personal habits and attitudes to life in general.

In conclusion, fasting and prayer are not sufficient conditions for eternal salvation; and even to overcome personal challenges in life. Rather the “Fear of the Lord” is the divine key to enjoy the protection, blessings, mercies and favor of the Lord thy God, and also have eternal life.

To the God of Fire will be all the glory, honor and adoration.