December 15, 2019 -- Psalm 119:74 -- Learning the Fear of the LORD

Those who fear you shall see me rejoice,

because I have hoped in your word.

Psalm 119:74 English Standard Version

The expression “the fear of the LORD” is used dozens of times in the Bible. (Examples include: II Chronicles 14:14; Psalm 19:19; Proverbs 1:7 & 29; Isaiah 11:2; Acts 9:31 and II Corinthians 5:11.) In the translation of the Bible I like to use, the English Standard Version, the exact phrase the fear of the LORD is used 27 times. There are, of course, many variants, like our verse today those who fear You.

The fear of the LORD restrains us from doing evil.

The fear of the LORD brings others to rejoicing when in fellowship we see our Covenant King obeyed.

The fear of the LORD moves us to honour the saving work of Jesus Christ, without Whom we would be punished to the full extent of all our sins.

The fear of the LORD is wrought in us by the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit Who, shows us all Jesus has done to free us from the wrath of God and bring us as beloved sons and daughters to eternity. Therefore the Spirit directs our hearts in loving obedience to God our Father.

The fear of the LORD reminds us the He Is HOLY. What is evil and sinful cannot be in His presence. Isaiah spoke of this when he said: “Woe is me! I am undone (disintegrating, lost) because I am a man of unclean lips” Isaiah 6:5. Even a prophet, mightily used of God, was made keenly aware of his need for God’s cleansing work else he would be ruined. Thanks be to God for our Lord Jesus Christ in Whom we have the complete forgiveness of all our sins! Blessed be His Name.

Thanks be to the Spirit of God! Blessing and honour and praise and glory be unto the Spirit for His work in us. It is the Spirit of God Who works in us both to will and to work God’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). More even than this (as if that wasn’t treasure and wonder, blessing and victory enough!!) the Spirit Who knows how we are made, what we love and what we are good at, brings us to places and people where we can exercise our gifts and so live in joy-filled obedience to the King of Glory.

What wondrous love You have shown us, O God our Father. Teach us the fear of the LORD. Teach us by Your Word and Spirit so that Jesus Christ is honoured and adored in us and because of us. Amen.

If you have 4 extra minutes, watch this oldie but goodie. It is the Newsboys, from 2010. Build us Back. And it includes the lyrics. Shalom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgsWYcVpsLw&list=RDQgsWYcVpsLw&start_radio=1