Devotions to Help you Marvel at our God!

Thursday 7.16.09

Imagine a razor-sharp sword.  Peering at it through a glass case, you carefully examine its beauty, integrity, craftsmanship, and wonder about its abilities.  As the light careens off the edge of the blade, you can nearly hear it slicing through any obstacle that stands in its path.  A small chill runs up the back of your neck.  You are in awe of the potential of this weapon.  There is an intrinsic fear that comes merely from investigating this sword.

Now, imagine that the owner removes the sword and holds it above your head, as if to drop it.  How would you feel?  Threatened?  Trapped?  Afraid?

After beads of sweat form on your face, the owner then repositions the sword so that it is in front of you – the blade facing away from your body.  How would you feel then?  Relieved?  Secure?  Maybe even protected?

What changed?  The character of the blade remained the same.  It is still the same weapon that demands your fear and respect.  But, the position of the blade is different.  No longer is it against you…it is now with you.  You still fear the sword because of what it is, but you are no longer afraid of it because of where it is in relation to you.

In Exodus 19, the children of Israel were able to examine the chilling presence of the Lord.  They peered at His majesty and power and splendor.  Scripture describes the scene this way: “There were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled…Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly (19:16-18).”

Moses ascended the mountain with Aaron and there received the 10 commandments from God.  Upon his return, the people of Israel made an understandable request of Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die” (20:19).  Their frightening view of God saw Him above their heads in a threatening position.  They were afraid of Him presuming He was against them.  They feared for their lives.

But Moses replied with comforting words, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin” (20:20).

How were the people of Israel supposed to fear God, yet not be afraid of Him?  It had everything to do with the position of God towards them.  Because they were His chosen and redeemed people, He was not against them as an executioner.  Rather, He was before them and with them as a guide – leading them away from sin and towards godliness.  Thus, they were instructed to keep their fear of His person, but not be afraid of His condemnation.

This is the great news of the gospel.  Boldly, we can know this very God who causes the earth to tremble.  How?  Through Christ, God removes our condemnation and becomes our comfort.  His posture towards us changes from Judge to Father.  As Romans 8:1 beautifully says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Christian, fear the Lord…but don’t be afraid!

Alive2Christ,

Kendall C.