In the verse above and Exodus 15:11, we are reminded of the awesome power and authority of God. When we understand this, we develop what is known as "awe" of God. Awe is a reverential fear. This is not fear that sends us running for a secure place to hide (as if that existed with God). This is the type of fear that recognizes the power and majesty of the All Might; the type of fear that produces respect for the greatest power in the universe that loves us beyond any human understanding. We see and understand the power of our Creator. This can be related to the awe we had of our parents when we were young. We recognized that they had the power to reject, reward, discipline, deny, give and create the atmosphere of our lives.
Once we reach this state of "awe", we want to worship and praise in gratitude - just as we felt about our parents. When young, they controlled our entire world and we stood in awe of the way they went about the business of work and providing everything. In Psalm 68:35, we are told of the power of God that He can give to us. In Isaiah 66:2, we are told of who He favors among His people.
Our parents were proud of us and bragged on us when we were respectful. We were rewarded when we obeyed them and did as we were instructed. I recognized that my mother had all authority and she demanded respect. We feared what she could do if she did not get that respect (awe) through our disobedience. At the same time, we were certain of her love because of the way she commanded right living. I loved my mother, obeyed her and she returned this with love. I respected her for her power over me and she loved me for it.
God bestows good things, blessings, on those who who trust Him. Psalm 31:19. In Luke 1:50, we are told that proper fear of God grants us mercy from Him. We learn in Psalm 103:11 that God loves those who love Him. Love comes from respect, a type of awe. Isaiah 33:6 tells us that through fear/awe of the Lord, we will be given salvation, wisdom and knowledge as treasure.
The Lord listens to and hears those who fear Him. Malachi 3:16-17 Proverbs 14:27 tells us we can receive health and long life through fear of the Lord. Proverbs 19:23 goes further to add that our life will be content and untouched by trouble when we fear Him. Finally, we see in Proverbs 22:4 that even riches and honor are added to our life for fearing the Lord.
How do we stand in awe and fear the Lord? We accept His unconditional love and grace imparted to us as a free gift through the sacrifice of His son on the cross.
We do not have to earn this love from God; His grace is a free gift. Our sins were forgiven on the cross. Hebrews 10:12 Amen
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