The Heart of the Matter: Understanding the Fear of God
In a world where emotions and actions are often driven by external factors, it’s easy to mistake the reality of the fear of God for a hollow show. However, Scripture presents the fear of God as a matter of the heart’s inclinations. It’s not just about outward actions, but about a deep-seated reverence and awe that drives our behavior.
A Heart that Fears the Lord
Psalm 112:1 describes the one who fears the Lord as someone who “greatly delights in his commandments.” This is not a grudging obedience, but a joyful response to God’s word. The fear of God is not about anxiety or dread, but about a deep love and respect for who He is.
Cultivating a Heart of Fear
So, how do we cultivate this kind of fear? It’s not something that can be acquired through simple self-effort or outward actions. Rather, it requires a profound change of heart, brought about by the Holy Spirit through the gospel. As Martin Luther discovered, trying to sort ourselves out and become righteous by our own efforts can actually drive us further away from God.
The Cross: A Fertile Soil for Fear
The cross is the most fertile soil for the fear of God. Here, we see the magnitude of Christ’s forgiveness and the gravity of our sin. The cross liberates us from sinful fear and cultivates a deep adoration of the Redeemer. As the sinful woman in Luke 7 demonstrates, this adoration is marked by intense physicality and emotion – a fearful love that is both joyful and humbling.
From Forgiveness to Adoration
The cross not only brings forgiveness but also leads us to praise God for His kindness and mercy. As John Bunyan wrote, “Oh! that a great God should be a good God…this should make us tremble.” The cross simultaneously cancels our guilt and increases our appreciation of God’s grace, leading us to a deeper and more fearfully happy adoration of the Savior.
Conclusion
The fear of God is not something that can be reduced to a set of rules or outward actions. It’s a matter of the heart, driven by a deep love and respect for who God is. As we gaze upon the cross, may we be led to a profound change of heart, marked by a fearful and amazed adoration of the Savior.
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