Bible Reading: Psalm 27, 1 John 5:1-7
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” – 2 Corinthians 7:1(KJV)
We shall be concluding our meditative series on the “fear of the Lord”. We have looked at the various meaning of the word “fear”as used in the scriptures. We shall be returning to our original Psalm for these series – Psalm 25, and will lay the foundation of our discuss from verses 12 to 14 to examine the inherent benefit of having the fear of the Lord in our hearts. Please note that we are looking at the first two definition of fear earlier referred to as godly fear.
There are great benefits in having the fear of the Lord. Please note that men fear thone who fear God: “This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee.” – Deut. 2:25(KJV). Five benefits are enumerated by the Psalmist as accruable to the man who has reverence and godly fear for the Almighty God. These benefits are as follows:
- HE WILL BE TAUGHT BY GOD. The man who has deep love and reverence for God will be a beneficiary of divine teaching and direction. “The meek will he guide in judgement: and the meek will he teach his way” -Psalm 25:9. What this means is that such a man will have godly discretion and will be led on his way by the Almighty. His judgements are sound and respected. His opinion will be sought for by men. Hear what the scripture says: “I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgement was as a robe and a diadem” Job 29:14
- HE WILL BE SAFE AND AT PEACE. This man shall dwell safely because the habitation of the righteous shall be peaceful. “And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” – Isaiah 32:18(KJV)
- HIS CHILDREN SHALL BE BLESSED. The offspring of the man that fears the Lord shall be blessed, “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring”. Isaiah 44:3(KJV)
- HE WILL KNOW THE SECRETS OF GOD. The secret of God is with them that fear him. God reveals his secret to those who honour and reverence him. “For the froward is abomination unto God: but his secret is with the righteous” – Proverbs 3:32(KJV)
- HE WILL KNOW GOD’S COVENANT: “To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandment and do them” – Psalm 103: 18(KJV). They shall enjoy the blessings of the LORD from everlasting to everlasting.
These are the lots of them that fear God and keep his commandment.
Prayer: Father, endue me with the spirit of the fear of the Lord, so I can serve you acceptably all the days of my life.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo