This text is in Exodus 20 and I read it this morning after the DO...IN HIM post. I read this text and though I have read through the Bible many times in my life I don't remember ever reading v. 20. AWESOME! I know the idea from the Scripture in other places and I have taught the idea myself but it struck me like a ton of bricks reading it and I could NOT help but pass it on. It reminded me if a very good book by Jerry Bridges called The Joy of Fearing God. Anyway...here's the text. ENJOY!
"When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the horn, and when they saw the lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear. 19.And they said to Moses, "You tell us what God says, and we will listen. But don't let God speak directly to us. If he does, we will die!" 20."Don't be afraid," Moses said, "for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning!"
Did you catch that from Moses? "Don't be afraid..." "From now on, let your fear of Him keep you from sinning!" What is that all about? Don't be afraid...be afraid? I think Moses is sharing honestly and wants to encourage the people about God's awesome power then he says I need to also take advantage of this opportunity and point them to a very useful tool in following hard after God. Yes...perfect love casts out fear but even in that the only source of perfect love is God and so if we look to Him and HE casts out the fear than AWESOME!
Anyway...thought you'd like to hear your Pastor getting whacked up side the head by the Spirit. It is a constant thing lately and I'm having a blast! Hard as all get out...BUT GREAT! LGLO, Pastor Peter
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It is "strange" (for lack of a better word) when you read a passage of Scripture for the millionth time, and yet come away with something entirely new and different, or just see something you never saw before. I always think "HOW did I miss THAT?" but I know God opens our eyes to those things when we're ready for them, and when we need them. Who doesn't need a whack in the head every once in a while? :)
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