Happy New Year January 1 on January 2;
Because of a social contract you haven’t signed but not even knowing about it have agreed to celebrate New Year on the 2nd of January; especially if you have a job that honors this social contract. We celebrate on Monday what yesterday was… Happy New Year… family, friends, former friends Brethren and those who are not what they say but believe they are. Wow does that describe an eclectic group of acquaintances and relationships…
My first thought to address this New Year’s Second Day is this “ the fear of the Lord”. Who fears the Lord? Sometimes I see that the fear of the Lord is not “Fear of the Lord” rather it is “afraid of the Lord”. Think about that carefully and consider what the benefit is if a person fears the Lord, then think what being afraid is like.
If you fear the Lord you believe His every word and try to attain His ways because you believe Him even if you don’t understand. However if you are afraid of God you avoid and try to hide from Him even keeping from those around you who have the fear of the Lord.
The consequence of the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. What good is wisdom? Wisdom leads to understanding thus understanding the things of the Lord and His ways. “Psa_49:3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”
When we are afraid we want put on the fig leaves and hide in the shrubs because of our shame. When we are afraid we are fearful that even good things may hurt us. There are many things people do to hide from God, some go so far as to deny the Lord’s existence.
The greatest tragedy nevertheless is when believers begin to lose their Fear of Him and become fearful; wisdom is then lost. When wisdom is lost how then can there be understanding?
It is easy to see that if the fear of the Lord is not established in families how can we see in the society around us?
As the times and seasons seem to form prophetic images in the scripture come to life before our eyes; we must remember to fear not but keep the fear of Lord as we trust His desire to see us do well.
If you don’t believe when you pray, don’t pray but if you believe; pray earnestly for we need your prayers and ye need ours as brethren we seek unity in Christ.
Kevin Anderson