Called to Fear

February, 2004

by: Walt Bertelsen

“NO FEAR!” Thus saith a popular slogan, plastered on SUV's and other vehicles parading around town.

We, however, are called to fear. Not man. Not what man can do or say.

We are called to fear the LORD.

Jesus told his disciples: “…fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Mt 10.28)

Much is made of the “fear of the LORD” in the book of Proverbs — we Calvary men need to pay close attention to this. Last month, we heard Dr. Wayne Mack speak to us at our in–house retreat about true success, godliness, anger, stress, and other things. The month before that, we bade farewell to Pastor Justin Erickson as he left for Ohio.

Now what?

Were I to stand face to face with each of you and ask, “Do you know God?” most of you would likely respond without hesitation, “Yes!” If I changed the question to, “Do you fear God?” many of you might have to pause and consider your answer.

It would indeed be worthwhile for us all to make that pause. “Do I fear Him?” and “What does that mean, precisely?”

Chapter 9 of Proverbs speaks about the way of wisdom. In verse 10 is the familiar statement, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Notice that it goes on to say, “and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” This passage indicates that those who don't fear God don't have any wisdom, nor do they know Him. Those who sought to know the LORD in the Old Testament recognized that godly wisdom was much more than just knowledge — it very much involved living the life in obedience to His will. They recognized the need to fear the God who brought the plagues, who parted the sea, who caused the walls of Jericho to collapse.

Fearing the LORD includes much more than simple terror — it also includes recognizing His absolute holiness, authority and sovereignty. It is also the awe and wonder engendered by His majesty and power. It includes humble submission to His right to rule all things (including our own lives), submission to His viewpoint in all matters, acceptance of His agenda and His discipline.

This kind of fear of the LORD is not only the foundation for all true wisdom, but the foundation, as well, for truly knowing the Holy One. It is a “fountain of life” from our loving, heavenly Father (Prov 14.27).

Now what? Here's what: Let us seek to deeply know our God through seeking and valuing His wisdom as silver and gold. That is, let us seek it and live it. And let us remember that the basis of wisdom is to first fear Him. Let us all — and especially we Calvary men — understand and live in the fear of the LORD. If we men are to be the leaders that God means for us to be — at home, at church, in our communities — then let us hereby highly resolve that we will pray, teach, and model for one another that kind of life.

Pray for the men, that we will set the example, and be all that God means for us to be.