The Fear of God

Quora question today: Why is the fear of God the Bible's definition of love for God?

The problem with the English word “fear” is that the definition does not adequately describe how we are to relate to and feel about God. In the Hebrew language, for instance, one word can have multiple meanings depending upon the message the writer wishes to convey. In some instances, only people who share the language and culture can fully understand the intended meaning.

That said, let us think in pictures for a moment. When I used to climb mountains…MANY years ago, I would reach the summit and gaze at the magnificence, admiring the panoramic view that simply could not be experienced from any other perspective . Exhausted by the climb, I was still awestricken by the mountain which stood beneath my feet and allowed me to experience an existence among the clouds, even if for just a moment. Yet at the same time, I realized that a sudden gust of wind could plunge me off the narrow summit to my death thousands of feet below. In other words, I was simultaneously awestricken and terrified because I knew a misstep would be fatal. Yet I loved the climb, difficult as it was, because I wanted to be in the place that exposed me to such majesty.

That is how I would describe the fear of the Lord and how it does prove that I love Him. I am amazed at His beauty and power, desiring always to be in His presence….yet He frightens me because I know He will discipline me when I make a misstep. What parent would not warn his child not to go too close the the edge of a cliff? Also, drawing close to Him takes effort on my part. I need to pray, read the Bible and that requires that I put aside my projects in order to spend time with Him. Let’s face it, all relationships require a significant commitment of time, lest they fail to develop.

When the Lord passed by Moses, He sheltered him in the cleft of the rock because had Moses gazed directly at the face of God he would have perished. There is no doubt that Moses was both frightened and inspired in that moment! Today we are fortunate to have Jesus, who was God made flesh and stands in the gap that in Moses’s day did not allow people to be in close proximity to God. Just as the rugged trail blazed in the rocky terrain leads to the summit of the mountain, Jesus not only shows us the way, but is willing take us by the hand and lead us into the presence of God. Hallelujah!

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7