All about that grace

“The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” Proverbs 9:10

Last week I was watching “The Prince of Egypt” with my daughter, Bee.

It’s a good representation of the story of Moses (although I have to admit that I couldn’t stop myself pointing out some minor inaccuracies – for example, the Israelites in the Bible grumbled WAY more!).

I really enjoyed experiencing the emotions of the main characters. As part of listening to the Bible Project Sermon on the Mount podcasts (see here, for example), I’ve been learning about how God values humans simply because they are his creation, and how he wants us to relate to each other. When Moses realises he is not an Egyptian, it seems that his eyes are opened to seeing the Israelites as human beings, worthy of love and respect. He sees them through God’s eyes and cannot go back to his previous way of life.

What really struck me, though, watching the film, was how Pharoah did not fear the Lord.

After all those plagues. After all that power. Even after all that suffering. He refused to acknowledge the Lord, or show any respect for him. I would have thought that after three or four plagues, especially the ones that only affected the Egyptians, he would have understood God is someone you do not mess with.

The fear of the Lord is a common thread throughout the Bible. Ironically, it is often the people of God who show the least respect for him (just think about the Israelites complaining against him in the desert!)

When Joshua’s spies reach Jericho, Rahab tells them how the people of Jericho have heard of what God has done for them, and they are terrified. “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11)

When Jonah is running away from God (showing little regard for his instruction), and God sends a storm, it is the other sailors, who have their own gods (Jonah 1:5), who call out to the Lord for Jonah’s salvation, and once the storm stops, they fear the Lord and offer a sacrifice to him (1:16). When Jonah (eventually) goes to Nineveh, he wallks to the middle of the city and delivers his message very bluntly “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” (3:4). Immediately, the people of Nineveh believe God, and put on sackcloth and ashes.

The New Testament also refers multiple times to the fear of the Lord. Jesus himself encourages us to fear the Lord: “I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12: 4-5).

Watching The Prince of Egypt, I reflected that I have lost the fear of the Lord. I have made him too small, and packaged him up nice and neatly in a way that sits conveniently with my life. And, in turn, I have not understood his might, his power and his strength.

I think Job probably experienced this when God replies to him in Job Chapters 38-41. “Who even are you? Where were you when I created the universe? Do you have any idea how things work? You have made me too small, too simple. You cannot comprehend me or my plans”.

God is so big, so powerful and so loving. He holds the whole world in his hands. He is powerful enough to part the Red Sea for Moses, to send a fish for Jonah, and even to die for my sins. Just because the world (and I) have forgotten this, does not make it true.

This is not the kind of fear that stops me from approaching the Lord. Rather, it is the kind of fear that focuses me. If I really understood how big God is, I think I would be less afraid of people. He would be the one I would be most afraid to dishonour or let down.  It makes me wonder why I ever feel ashamed or apologetic discussing my faith? If only I could really grasp God’s power and might! I think understanding the fear of the Lord could transform my life.

How do we go about this? I wish I knew!

I suspect the first step lies in remembering the wonderful things God has done, both in my own life and in the lives of others (from the Bible and more recently!).

How do you cultivate a healthy perspective of God’s majesty and power? Please share any suggestions!