The ending paragraphs of chapters 13 and 14 of 1 Chronicles express two different kinds of fear. The first incident is a result of an accident when David and all Israel are bringing the Ark of the Covenant from Kiriath-jearim to Jerusalem. “And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah (the cart driver) put out his hand to take hold of the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah, and he struck him down because he put out his hand to the ark, and he died there before God. “   Verse 12 says that David was afraid of God that day.

The Ark was God’s seat in the Tent of Meeting, dedicated in Moses’ time back in the Wilderness. It was a holy spot and was to be treated according to God’s commands. The Levites were to carry the Ark on poles, so David and his friends were not respecting the laws, the Ark, or God by transporting it on a cart like the Philistines had done. And the non-Levite Uzzah actually touched the Ark! David’s fear was born out of the realization he still did not know how to serve this powerful, awesome God. Eventually the problem was solved when Levites consecrated themselves and did the proper carrying in Chapter 15. The experience helped everyone to realize, at least for a little while, that it was important to follow God’s rules.

The second fear occurs after Chapter 14 recounts several of David’s military battles with the Philistines. When the Israelites defeated their foes soundly, “the fame of David went out into all the lands, and the LORD brought the fear of him upon the nations.” God’s plan included the blessing of David and the cursing of his enemies, as promised to Abraham in Genesis 12. While David’s kingship was being established, God protected him and his people by planting terror and dread in the minds of their enemies. The battles did not need to be fought until David’s forces were ready.

So, the fear of the Lord includes obeying his rules and letting him fight the battles. What a great God!

Proverbs 16 gives a pretty clear description of the sovereignty of God. The first nine verses are bookended by similar statements contrasting man’s heart plans and the establishing acts of the Lord. “The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD” (vs 1). The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (vs 9). And the concluding verse of the chapter (33) extends God’s oversight even to the results of every roll of the dice: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”

Besides man’s plans (vs 1, 9), his ways (2) and commitments (3) are under God’s control, who even “made the wicked for the day of trouble” (4) to establish the formative discipline of his people.   The LORD is good; his steadfast love and faithfulness (vs 6) cause atonement for iniquity, both in the Old Testament sacrificial system and the New Testament saving sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.

In light of God’s governance, the verses also give insight into man’s proper response. We are to commit our work to the LORD (vs 3), be humble, not arrogant (5), have a proper fear of the LORD to turn away evil (6), and seek righteousness (8). In addition, we are rewarded if our ways please the LORD (7).

Fortunately, the scriptures are God’s word to us describing his redemption plan and our place in it. The first three answers of the Westminster Shorter Catechism shed light on the potentially joyous path before us:

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

“The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him.”

“The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.”

So, God is in charge. Our plans will only be fruitful if they fit with God’s revealed design and purposes. This is somewhat easy to accept for believers but is very hard to swallow for those who think they are more important.

Psalm 93 is a praise song, lauding the Lord of Creation and ruler of the nations. The Israelites knew their privileged status as the nation whose king was the creator of the whole universe, even if they didn’t act like it all the time! And they understood God’s plan to bring salvation to all the nations through them.

The psalmist describes God as strong, mighty, holy, majestic, and trustworthy. He is greater than towering, roaring floods; his creation will never be moved. This is a fearsome God who is Creator and Lord of the universe and the reigning king of all the nations.

 

One of the posting Categories on this blog is “Fear and Awe.” The original title was “Kept Promises” but it was quickly evident there is more awesomeness in our God than the holy fact that he keeps all his promises. A couple of ideas surfaced recently that made the title “Fear and Love” potentially more descriptive than “Fear and Awe.”

First, verses from the Psalms jumped out showing love and fear as combined characteristics of God, and man’s response to him. Psalm 85.9-10: “Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, that glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. ” And Psalm 86.15: “But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.”

Second, the Westminster Shorter Catechism question and answer number 1, with twelve proof texts of support, ranging from Isaiah and the Psalms to Luke; Philippians; and Revelation, picked up the glory idea in the psalms. It is very clear that God is all about fun, love, and enjoyment:

Q: What is the chief end of man?

A: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.

There are other ways to say it: Truth and Love, Justice and Mercy, Righteousness and Forgiveness. No matter the phrases, it is good to be reminded that the one who is able to cast into hell (Luke 12.4-7) is also the one whose mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3.23).

On the other hand, there is already a Category “Gospel Messages .” It is sometimes difficult to distinguish the difference, just like God’s attributes meld perfectly together. The gospel side also shows multiple sides to the “good news,” as some news is not so good for unbelievers. “Fear and Love” is an interesting possibility, but we will leave “Fear and Awe” alone for now.

Elijah was a major proponent of punishment by fire.  There was the famous episode with 450 priests of Baal, where those priests could not get Baal to burn up an offering, but Elijah’s God not only burnt up the water-soaked offering when asked, but the altar, the wood and the dust all around!

Later, in 2 Kings 1, the king of Israel is sick and wants to hear what prophet Elijah has to say about his potential recovery.  He sends a captain and fifty men to bring Elijah back. The captain demands, “O man of God, the king says, ‘come down.”  And Elijah answers, “If I am a man of God, let fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty.”  And so it did.  Evidently Elijah was indeed a man of God!

A second captain with fifty soldiers is dispatched.  His imperious command is “O man of God, this is the king’s order, ‘Come down quickly.’” He must not have heard about the first group, because Elijah’s answer and the soldiers’ demise is exactly the same – burnt to a crisp.

The third captain shows admirable wisdom, falling on his knees before Elijah and begging, “O man of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty servants of yours, be precious in your sight.  Behold, fire came down from heaven and consumed the two former captains of fifty men with their fifties, but now let my life be precious in your sight.”

The angel of the Lord let Elijah know he was safe with this captain, so Elijah went to the king.  The message was not positive; the sick king would indeed die as a result of his illness.  At least he was not scorched.

The first five chapters of the Westminster Confession of Faith have a wonderful way of describing a BIG God.

The Confession opens by discussing the Bible, the Word of God.  The confession teaches what the Bible claims about itself – it was written by God to provide revelation about himself to mankind.  It is authoritative (1.4), sufficient (1.6), and clear enough so that the message of salvation is understandable to anyone who reads it (1.7).  In addition, the work of the Holy Spirit in the elect includes persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth of the Word (1.5).

The Second chapter of the Confession describes this BIG God.  He is Spirit, unchangeable, boundless, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, and the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.  He is also most just, hating all sin. (2.1)

Chapter three lays out what we know, through the Word, of God’s eternal, wise and holy plan for the whole universe, centering on his care for his people (3.1).  Some people are predestined to life, all to the praise of his glorious grace (3.5); the rest are predestined to wrath, all to the praise of his glorious justice (3.7).  The first answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism echoes this notion:  “Man’s chief end is to glorify God , and to enjoy him forever.” Some (the elect) will believe, glorify him, and enjoy him in heaven forever.  Others will reject the revelation of God and suffer his wrath.

Chapters four and five speak of the ways that God has worked his plan, including his power and goodness in the creation of the universe and his providential care ever since.  He uses ordinary means, including “laws of science” (which God ordained and which reflect his character) that govern the normal events of the day.  He is also free to work without, above, and against the ordinary means as he desires (5.3).  God can do what he pleases; what he HAS done includes the way things are in the world around us, spiritual realms we cannot see, and all past and future events.

A Christian worldview values the Word as an external reference point for all knowledge about God and our duty toward him.  This BIG God works all things together for the good and salvation of those who are called according to his purposes (Romans 8.28).

A Naturalistic worldview denies God’s complete control, replacing it with a different source – nature,  science, mankind,  randomness, or something else.  A less-than-Christian worldview would value man’s experiences, feelings, and culture just as much as Biblical revelation.  Both these alternate worldviews  usually elevate man’s position and diminish the role of the BIG God, thus producing a small God.

Ever wonder how movie, book and TV characters always say the right words at the right time?  It’s because the screenwriters and authors have control of the situation.  Similarly, God has control of all real life situations where wise word and actions are needed.

The story of Solomon in 1 Kings 3.16-28 about two moms, one baby, and a sword is renowned throughout the world. The mothers both claimed the child was theirs.  Solomon threatened to use the sword to cut the child in two and give half to each.  The real mom revealed herself by giving the child away rather than having him killed.

Solomon had been given a great gift of wisdom by God, to be able to govern the people (1 Kings 3.9-12).  This adjudication is excellent for showing the depth of the gift.  The two women were described as prostitutes, a category of women that are not to be trusted according to Proverbs 1-9.  The case had reached the highest court of the land because there were no other witnesses.  Solomon was the final arbiter and his unorthodox decision in this difficult circumstance was so astute that “all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice” (1 Kings 3.28).

Even more than facts and knowledge, Solomon had the wisdom of God.  The parental dispute story sounds like the events in Luke 20 when Jesus confounds the Pharisees, Sadducees, and elders who are trying to discredit him.  He links his authority to John the Baptist, putting the scribes and elders in a tough spot (verses 1-8).  He famously stops tax questions with “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” (19-26).  And he blasts the Sadducees’ lack of faith and lack of understanding of the scriptures when they try to trap him in a long hypothetical story about divorce (27-39).

Amazingly, that same wisdom is available to us for the asking. “If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.  For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” James 1.5-8. The faith required is trust in God that his plans are good and that my wisest choice is to follow Him wherever He leads.

Jesus taught in many places around Galilee during his early ministry, including his home town of Nazareth.  Most people in most venues were astonished at what Jesus was saying and doing: he taught with authority, cast out demons, and healed the sick.

But those in his home town took exception to his teaching. While they were also astonished, they couldn’t get over the fact that he grew up among them – they knew him as a carpenter’s son rather than a great teacher. Jesus’s famous quote was issued there: “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household” (Matthew 13.53-57).

Both Matthew and Mark point out that Jesus could do few miracles in Nazareth because of the unbelief of the residents (Matthew 13.58, Mark 6.5). The scene in Luke is longer and more violent – the passage Jesus reads in the synagogue is quoted, the barb Jesus tosses out about Israelites not listening to prophets is detailed, and the people’s attempt to stone Jesus is described (Luke 4. 16-30).

The listeners seemed to accept Jesus’s claim to be the Messiah, as they “marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth.”  But they were ticked when they realized the indictment of their forefathers’ treatment of prophets was being applied to them!  The mob rose up, drove him out of town and tried to throw him down a cliff.  But it was not Jesus’ time to die, and he escaped.

The description of his escape at the end of the Luke passage is a sad, poetic indictment of any who hear the good news of Jesus but turn away, through anger, unbelief, familiarity, pride or any other reason.  “But passing through their midst, he went away.” They missed the importance and the meaning; Jesus was to them just a fleeting mist.

The One True God of Israel had worked great miracles for the nation of Israel in the early chapters of Exodus, finally bringing his people out of Egypt, having plundered the wealth of the nation and destroying the Egyptian army.  Moses and the people praised God with a new song whose first verse is still sung all over the world: “I will sing unto the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously, the horse and rider thrown into the sea” (Exodus 15.1).

The song continue to describe the events at the Red Sea, and in verses 14-16 proclaims even more than they knew:  “The peoples have heard; they tremble; pangs have seized Philistia.  Now are the chiefs of Edom dismayed; trembling seizes the leaders of Moab; all the inhabitants of Canaan have melted away.  Terror and dread fall upon them; because of the greatness of your arm, they are still as a stone…”

God moves ahead of the people.  Even though they spend forty years in the wilderness as a result of their disobedience, the nations remember what God has done.  Years have passed when the Israelites approach Jericho, but Rahab can explain her actions to the Hebrew spies in Joshua 2.8-11: “I know that the LORD has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.  For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Read Sea before you when you came out of Egypt… And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the LORD your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”

God had promised the land to Abraham’s descendants 500 years prior. Making people remember and their hearts melt because of forty-year- old events is part of His glorious plan to redeem his people.  That same plan continues today as God’s people share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and God continues to change hearts.

My kids introduced me to The Ranger’s Apprentice series of books by John Flanagan.  The Rangers of Araluen wore camouflage clothing and were trained to move quietly and quickly through whatever terrain they found themselves in.  They could “freeze” and hold a position for hours; they used the shadows to their advantage; they even trained their horses to move in “quiet” mode.  They also knew enough of human reactions to act naturally, like they belonged, when infiltrating enemy camps.  They were the perfect spies and information gatherers, and their skills with a longbow and knives made them fierce warriors.  The books are great fun, and the humble rangers make great heroes.

David and his mighty man Abishai act in a similar manner in 1 Samuel 26.6-12. They sneak into the camp of Saul and take the spear and water bottle from near the ruler’s head.  Abishai wants to kill the king, but David will not listen to any threats or actions against “the Lord’s anointed.”  Instead, they leave the camp and from a safe distance proclaim to Saul and his men what they have done. Saul realizes that his life has been spared, and he calls off this latest manhunt for David.

These two real-life Rangers were likely not as skilled as those in the book, but they had an even more decided advantage.  Verse 12 explains the reason behind their success:  “So David took the spear and the jar of water from Saul’s head, and they went away.  No man saw it or knew it, nor did any awake, for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the lord had fallen upon them.”  It is good to have great skills; it is even better to have God on your side.