Focus: Evidence of Godly Fear

Text: Gen.22:12

"And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me."

The Word tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. No one is truly wise who doesn't fear God. In fact, not to fear God is the height of foolishness. 

The Spirit of the Lord is described in the Scripture as "the Spirit of the fear of the Lord." The Spirit of God in us makes the fear of God not only possible but a reality in our lives. The author of Hebrews says, "By FAITH Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with FEAR, prepared an ark…" (Heb.11:7). Real faith fears God. Real faith never takes God for granted. Real faith doesn't take casual things pertaining to God. 

Real faith is always moved with fear, ensuring that whatever God says, goes.

The psalmist says, "The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant" (Ps.25:14). The word 'secret' implies intimacy or friendship. So the Message Bible translates, "God-friendship is for God-worshipers; They are the ones he confides in." Another translation says that "friendship with the Lord is reserved to those who fear him." Only friends of God can know His secret things - things locked up in His chest. He confides in His friends. The Passion Translation says, "There's a private place reserved for the devoted lovers of YAHWEH, where they sit near him and receive the revelation-secrets of his promises." Hallelujah!

Look at what God says to Abraham, "For now I know that thou fearest God." 

What is the evidence of godly fear?

*In Genesis 22, we see Abraham obeying God promptly - urgently, quickly, instantly. No delay or hesitation. He didn't dilly dally. Early the next day he set out to carry out God's instruction to him.

*We see Abraham obeying God even when it didn't make sense. It just didn't make sense sacrificing his only son - the child of promise, the son of the covenant, and the seed through whom Christ would come. It just didn't make sense.

*We see Abraham obeying God even when it was most painful and extremely hurting for him. That is losing one's only child, and you are the one to take him out - kill him. Abraham took a knife to kill his only son. That hurts. It's nothing funny at all. Fearing and obeying God is not a child's play. God wasn't kidding Abraham, and he knew it.

*We see Abraham obeying God even when there was no immediate gratification. Nothing to gain for offering your only child. God didn't promise to do anything for him if he obeyed. There was nothing like, Give me your child, and I will in turn give you heaven and earth. Abraham just obeyed with no promise to bank on or any reward to hope for.

*We see Abraham obeying God even to the letter. He left nothing out. He was not partial in his obedience. He completely obeyed God's instruction. He obeyed to the end - to completion. Simply put, he fully obeyed God.

These are the marks of godly fear. They are the evidence that shows who truly fears God.

Do you fear God? Do you fear Him enough to do exactly what He tells you to do. Are you even open in your spirit to hearing God speak to you? Isaiah says, "If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land" (Isa.1:19). How willing and obedient are you? Is there any fear of God in your eyes? Do you not obey God only when it is convenient for you? God, help us!

by Bishop Moses E. Peter