Sunday, March 31, 2024

 Having a fear of disobedience can be regarded as a prudent apprehension. However, I must express my dissenting view on this matter. Allow me to elucidate through the use of vivid analogies, thereby establishing the coherence of my argument with the prevailing scriptural usage. I firmly believe that deeming a fear as indispensable for one's well-being is fraught with peril. It is worth noting that love and fear are incompatible, as perfect love eliminates any traces of fear. The epitome of such love can be attributed to God's unwavering covenant or unfailing love.

The concept of fearing God implies that one believes His shame is beneficial. However, biblical teachings contradict this belief, stating that fear, shame, and anxiety from sin are actually negative. Psalm 25 illustrates this by emphasizing that those who trust in God will never be ashamed, while the treacherous will face shame. The Psalmist highlights the unwavering trust and hope of God's covenant people, contrasting them with the wicked who doubt God's faithfulness. This passage emphasizes the protection and honor that God bestows upon those who remain faithful to Him.

Due to their unwavering loyalty, God's chosen people never accuse Him of turning against them. Such accusations arise solely from a sense of national pride and are only made by the wicked who perceive God as unapproachable and inflexible. However, it is stated here that God's people will never experience shame. This is because, as mentioned later in the same passage, God confides in His covenant child, establishing a relationship resembling that of a father and child. This unique bond is not akin to a typical earthly father-child relationship, as it is solely based on grace. The Psalmist implores God to come to their aid, emphasizing His faithfulness and righteousness, and pleads to be spared from judgment, acknowledging that no one is righteous in God's sight. Thus, the Psalmist assures that God will not bring shame upon them, as their fight aligns with God's fight. In other words, it would be a betrayal to abandon one's commitment, and since we are obligated to remain steadfast in battle, God will fulfill His covenant. This beautifully illustrates how we should deeply respect and honor God.

Reverence, in essence, refers to perceiving the radiant illumination of God's glory. Throughout history, God consistently led Israel, embodying both a guiding light during the night and a powerful flame during the day. Interestingly, the imagery of fire, often associated with God's destructive might in the New Testament, was never directed towards Israel, but rather served as a formidable force against their enemies. The underlying concept here is that military triumph was viewed as the majestic arrival of the Lord of glory descending from heaven on His majestic chariot to rescue His people. The brilliance of this divine presence was so overwhelming that it caused the foes of God to be blinded by its splendor. This served as a symbolic representation of God's tangible presence, accompanied by His angelic beings, arriving with immense power. Israel had the firsthand experience of this divine power during their battles.

The New Testament writers discuss a type of power that arises from our connection with God and His work within us. In the Old Testament, the Lord instructed Israel to request His assistance in their battles. This is evident in the Psalms, where the Psalmist combines declarations of personal experiences of divine glory with accounts of military victories. In Psalm 25, the Psalmist invokes blessings upon himself by instructing the Lord on how to shape his heart and transform him into a new person. This is how we encounter the radiant splendor of the Lord's presence. When we encounter mystery, we witness God's active involvement in our lives, empowering us to accomplish extraordinary feats. This power surpasses the ordinary.

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