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Fear God - Luke 12
Fear God - Luke 12
In verse 5 Jesus warns us about hell. Why? Because it is REAL. Because the DANGER is real. Because it is ETERNAL. Because it is AWFUL – it is punishment indeed. As Jesus would later remark: "Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41) While it was prepared for Satan and for his angels, people can also be cast there.
So, He warns us to FEAR GOD. This is in fact ancient wisdom! Solomon ended Ecclesiastes : “ (13) The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. (14) For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (Eccl. 12:13-14). Writers often point out that ‘fear’ can mean ‘view with awe’, ‘to respect’. While that is true, it also can mean FEAR. Fear as we normally would use it. Hebrews reminds us that upon coming to Mount Sinai, that “… so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, "I am full of fear and trembling." (Hebrews 12:21)
Also, as the writer of Hebrews concludes his exhortation on how we should live, he reminds us that “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb. 10:31). Here the word for fear is translated by NASB95 – terrifying. And so it is.
The danger is real. Jesus’ warning is real. Thank the Lord for his mercy, kindness, and provisions to save us from ourselves!
Hugh DeLong
