ODB: helped by fear
November 3, 2009
READ: Proverbs 9:1-12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. —Proverbs 9:10
Fear means different things to different people. To professional golfer Padraig Harrington, it is a motivator to help him perform his very best. In 2008, when he won both the British Open and the PGA Championship, Harrington said, “Yes, fear is a big part of me. I’d like to say that I have all the trust and patience and I’m relaxed. No, that’s not my makeup. [Fear] pushes me on. Keeps me getting to the gym. I have to work with it and use it.”
Maybe it’s the fear of failure, or the fear of losing his edge, but Harrington finds fear to be a useful thing in his professional life.
The follower of Christ can also be helped by fear. We are challenged in the Scriptures to a reverential fear of God, which is the best type of fear that there is. It causes us to be concerned about disobeying Him or living in opposition to His ways. It’s being in awe of our great God, bowing to His perfect will, and seeking His wisdom for living. To that end, the proverb declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Prov. 9:10).
By fearing God rightly, we can live wisely in an uncertain world. — Bill Crowder
Fear God, and you’ll have nothing else to fear.
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Loading ...ODJ: dangerous
My righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for He will bear all their sins (v.11).
READ: Isaiah 53:1-12
Are you dangerous? A recent article reports that Germany, the land of Martin Luther, has become increasingly critical of the 1.3 million evangelical Christians living there. The media has become more and more hostile to believers in Jesus. According to one German seminary leader, they are often described as “dangerous fundamentalists.” Why? They “are misfits in the framework of a totally tolerant society . . . [who] evangelize and . . . stand for absolute truth.”
The suffering Servant is depicted in the words of Isaiah 53. The prophet was given special inspiration to capture what Jesus faced as He brought His “intolerant” message of salvation for all people. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). His claims of not only knowing the truth but being the truth Himself led to His harsh treatment by those He came to save.
As we look at Isaiah’s words, we see what Jesus endured and also what those of us who believe in Him may encounter due to our dangerous faith:
• Despised and rejected (v.3)—Like our Savior, we who follow Him will be despised by those who do not accept Him or His truth claims.
• Beaten so we could be whole . . . healed (v.5)—Believers through the ages have experienced brutal treatment and even death because of their devotion to Jesus.
• Honors of a victorious soldier (v.12)—Though we may face persecution in this life, one day we will be united with the suffering Servant who has been elevated “to the place of highest honor” (Philippians 2:9).
Following Jesus will prove to be dangerous. But the honor of suffering for Him is merely a prelude to the untold joy of reigning with Him forever. —Tom Felten
How have you suffered for the cause of Christ? What has Jesus provided for you through His suffering?
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