The
Bible makes it absolutely clear that God, whom we have a relationship with, is a
covenant keeping God. The Word used is “the LORD.” It is translated from the word
Yahweh and is spelled in all capital letters. This word Yahweh is built around
the word “I Am.” It is the covenant name of God. It’s a name God Himself made
known to Moses as He sent him on a mission to deliver His people from the bondage
of Egypt. Moses needed confidence to represent God correctly, so he asked for His
name. So, In Exodus 3:15. God said to Moses, “Say this to the people of
Israel: ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of
Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is my name forever, and
thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”
The
name of this covenant making-keeping God is the LORD. He is the great “I Am,” the
ever-existing one, ever present One. “I Am” is in the present tense. Notice
that He is the “I Am” not “I was” or “I will be.” He never had a beginning like
us. He has always been present and He will never cease to be present. He is the
only being, whose existence is not dependant on any other being outside of Himself.
This is the God whom we have a covenant relationship with. Hence, it is undeniably
true that the fear of this God is the beginning of wisdom.
With this God, how can we not have
strong confidence and boldness? If He is for us who can ever be against us.
Victory is already assured when we fear Him. In Proverbs 14:26-27, we are told
that “in the fear of the Lord there
is strong confidence….” When we honour and respect Him by placing Him at the centre
of our life, we have nothing to be afraid of. Nothing in life can intimidate us
because He is our refuge and fortress. He will be our shield, our rock, and a
strong shelter in the storms of adversity we all face in life.
Furthermore, the fear of the
LORD is the fountain of life. Having a reverential fear for the LORD connects
us to the source of life - earthly, spiritual, and eternal life. This attitude
will set us on the right course and keep us secure and safe in the right
direction. When we do so we find strength to sustain life. The fear of the Lord
always produces obedience that will nurture faith and trust in Him, thus, preparing
us to meet Him. This attitude will also free us from the trap often brought
about by the dread of death. Death will no longer be a snare. In reality this attitude
prepares us for life here, now and hereafter. So, let us be sure to fear the LORD
and place Him at the centre of our being.
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