One-minute read.
Reverential fear of the Lord means shrinking in fear and drawing close in awe. We must understand that the Lord means what He says and will do it, but we also become one when we walk in step with Him.
In 1 Samuel, the Philistines capture the Ark of the Covenant, the visual representation of God’s presence to the Israelites, and experience heartache as a result. Wanting to get rid of it, they place the Ark on a cart and send it back to Israel. When David sends men to retrieve it, they do what the Philistines did, putting it on a cart for transport, which results in the death of Uzzah, who touched it.
God gave specific instructions for transporting the Ark, but neither the Philistines nor David followed them, and they suffered the consequences. Only when David showed reverential fear for the Lord and followed his instructions to the letter did the Ark return to its rightful place, and God’s blessings abounded in Israel.
The Lord gives us commands to protect us, not harm us. If we don’t follow them, we will suffer the consequences. But when we obey God, we become more like Jesus and draw closer to Him. Shrink from disobedience and draw close by seeking and following the Lord’s will.
Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You for showing us what reverential fear means. Please help us obey Your commands and follow You closely, allowing us to become more like Jesus daily.
IJNIP. Amen
