Bible Reading: Proverbs 7-8; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Memory verse: “The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.” Proverbs 8:13 (KJV)
Man was created with a free will that allows him to make decisions any day, any time. This privilege was not given to angels. Love for man made God give them the opportunity to come to Him on their own accord to worship, serve and get directions from Him. The fear of the Lord was supposed to be a decision made out of love for Him.
The fear of the Lord makes us to trust in Him alone for our freedom from bondage. After showing Moses and Aaron what He can do, they in turn put all their trust and faith in Him leading to their salvation from slavery in Egypt. Exodus 14:31 (KJV) says, “And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.”
The fear of the Lord means to have knowledge of Him leading to a holy reverence for who He is. A knowledge of Him will reveal His glory, power and majesty. The Psalmist is aware of this as stated in Psalms 38:8-9 (KJV), “Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. [9]For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.” A lot of people today don’t have that fear because of lack of knowledge of Him. This is a person who spoke and the world came into being!
The fear of the Lord will convict one to stay away from sin knowing that He is a holy God who judges sin. Since every one will one day give account to God for actions carried out in life the fear of God is vital in preparing us for such a time when it comes.
God has promised to bless all those who fear Him. Proverbs 22:4 (KJV), “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” Other blessings like provisions, protection and a long life comes to those who fear the Lord. So, start hating evil, pride and arrogance and all evil way with a passion you have never displayed before, and you begin to grow in the fear of the Lord.
Prayer: Father, help me to grow in the knowledge and fear of You for the rest of my life in Jesus name.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu