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Jul 25, 2024 06:00am

Fear

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Fear.

It can be overwhelming, leaving us in a state of terror, shock and paranoia. It can be crippling.

I can think of many things that brings about this emotion in me. Snakes, the thought of losing someone I hold dear, heights, haunted houses at Halloween, something happening to one of my kids… the list could go on and on.

But that’s not the type of fear I’m talking about today.

Acts 2:43-47

“And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”

Fear came upon every soul. What does that really mean? Is that the same type of fear I described earlier? Is that what God wants – for His people to be afraid/terrified of Him?

Absolutely not.

When you break down this word, it means “to have reverence” like a woman would for her husband. He loves her, provides for her, protects her, and she is in awe of him.

Here is the same verse in the New International Version (NIV):

“Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.”

The people were not afraid of the apostles. They were not terrified of God. Their “fear”, it was based on the fact that they had never witnessed anything like this in their life! They were in complete amazement at what was being done and were in awe of God.

Don’t get me wrong, there are things to fear about God. He is a righteous judge, has all authority and will pour out His wrath upon the earth one day. That thought is terrifying.

But God, is also rich in mercy. He is not willing that any should suffer and die separated from Him. He made a way by making the ultimate sacrifice for us. He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. And through Jesus, we have the beautiful opportunity to be saved.

God created you and desires to have a deep, loving, relationship with you.

And when you read His Word, when you hear the testimonies of true believers, when you see the incredible things God is doing throughout the world, you’ll be in awe, too.