The Courage to Fear

Based on Deuteronomy 4-6, Mark 11:1-18

"For who is there of all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? Go thou near, and hear all that the Lord our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the Lord our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it. And the Lord heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the Lord said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!" Deuteronomy 5:26‭-‬29.

The children of Israel were afraid to hear the voice of God directly. Even though God chose to speak with them out of the fire, the people thought they would die if they continued to hear it for themselves...so, they asked Moses to hear and bring the Word back to them.

But didn't Moses stay near the fire of the burning bush when he was standing there alone with God years before? That's why God is talking about a different kind of fear when He said, "O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me..." Yes, the people were afraid, and this type of fear made the people distance themselves from God...but wants us to have a courageous heart with a fear that brings us CLOSER to God, respecting Him & following His commandments! That it might be well with them & their children forever!

Generations afterward, the children God spoke of were still distancing themselves from God, even in the temple...they stood in the place where they should draw closest to God, except they were buying & selling instead, making their hearts light-years away from the temple:

"And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves."
Mark 11:15‭-‬17.

It must have taken a wicked boldness to do what they were doing, but it takes real courage and love to fear & serve The Lord! It might have been easier to just buy a sacrifice. It's always easier to make our jobs easier! But what about seeking The Lord, His Plan, & His Way? He already bought us for a price! He paid the price and gave His life for us! WE SHOULD HAVE THE COURAGE TO FEAR & FOLLOW SUCH A FAITHFUL GOD...AND FORSAKE THIS WORLD'S DECEITFUL INFLUENCES!

Do we have the courage to fear God? Do we have the ability to drown out this world to hear Him speak to us directly, or is a job or career becoming our obsession & distraction? Let's examine our hearts on these matters daily! Keep me in prayer, and I'll do the same for you! God bless!