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Exodus 19

Good Morning “Those Who Embrace the Fear of The Lord.”  Today we are Exodus 19.

As you read or have read this chapter - take notice.  The Lord God is very specific in how He is to be approached, both by Moses and by the Nation of Israel in general.  We don’t get to define Him and how we approach Him.  He does that! 

After all He has done to demonstrate His power, that they might know He is Lord, He goes a step further and wants them to “see” Him, “hear” Him… well kinda.  No one can look upon His Holiness and live so He is shrouded in smoke.  Pay special attention to their reaction.  The writer of Hebrews in describing this scene says this - “The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The entire nation in fact trembled in fear.  The word used here in the original Hebrew is “Yare”.  In fact in EVERY case when the word fear is seen in the OT it is this same word.  In the NT the word is “Phobeo” and yes it’s the same word EVERY time.  Both carry a similar definition - trembling, pants wetting, fall like dead men fear!  

I return to this doctrine of “fear” so often because I am convinced that the loss of it in the progressive Church, has led many astray.  There is absolutely zero Biblical support to diminish its meaning to respect or simply - awe.  For when I diminish real fear of The Lord, I have a diminished perception of the consequence of sin!  When I diminish fear of The Lord, I have lessened His completeness which demands He deal with sin, and bring wrath on a particular subject.  The result is a decreased need for both obedience and the resulting need for an object of His wrath - The Savior.  

Simply put, if I can approach God who is who I want Him to be, in any way I choose, because He is not to be feared - why do I even need Him?  Why would I worship a god like that.  Answer… look around, many, even in The Church don’t. 

In Exodus 10:1-2 God tells Moses why He must harden Pharaoh’s heart and display all His judgments.  So that the people will KNOW He is Lord and tell the generations!  His judgments were and will be horrendous.  The story of Exodus should not only remind us of Gods Grace and Mercy upon those He loves, but also of His incredible Power and Wrath in the face of disobedience!  It’s the reason we NEED a Savior and we rejoice in His Grace!!! You don’t have one without the other.  

Don’t despise The Fear of The Lord - Embrace it!  It’s the thing that keeps us close to Jesus.

Love you all!  Dig in!