Holy Fear

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 11:7 NIV By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.

THOUGHT: Holy fear is not a bad thing. I recently did a Biblical search on the fear of God and discovered this kind of fear leads to 22 outcomes for which we passionately pray (happy to share those references with anyone who asks). So, what if the solution to so many of our spiritual needs and longings is wrapped up in just learning to fear God appropriately? Noah had the kind of faith that not only helped him hear, he had the kind of faith that included holy fear and led to his long obedience in the same direction. Many scholars believe it took 75 years to build the ark – basically our lifetime! Imagine keeping your faith strong through an entire lifetime in a culture that mocked God, mocked you, and in every way tried to breakdown your trust in God’s ‘crazy’ instructions. Imagine steering your family through such a culture and inspiring them to believe in this God they cannot see too.

Hebrews says that righteousness – being made right with God – was Noah’s inheritance. Oh, and he also saved his family and the seed of a Savior to come, and the animals from extinction. I’m glad for his holy fear, what about you?

PRAYER: Oh God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home – help us develop a holy fear that leads to a long obedience in the same direction.