Prayer Journal

Saturday, February 14, 2004

As David was running to avoid confrontation with King Saul, he brazenly walked into the city of Gath. You may remember that town as the home of Goliath, the one whose death launched David's giant-killer reputation. Was David afraid of what might happen to him if the residents discovered who he was? Yes, but you can read 1 Samuel 22 to learn how David faked being insane to escape with his life.

There was however another fear that proved to strengthen David's faith. It's called "fear of the Lord" and is noticeably different from having a fear of losing one's life. David may have feared the king of Gath, but it was his fear of the Lord that actually saved his life. He confirmed that fact in his writing. (Re: Psalm 34:11;22)

Some other guys demonstrated fear for us. The guards who watched the tomb where Jesus had been placed, knew real fear when they encountered the angel of God who rolled back the stone at his tomb. That's the way it is when someone encounters God's power. We might seem pretty sure of ourselves until we realize we're on shaky ground - literally. It's then that we freeze up like those guards and expect the worse.

But, the fear of the Lord is not the same thing as a fear of God. For example, the women who ran from the empty tomb just to bump into the risen Christ heard him say, "Do not be afraid!" They immediately fell at his feet and worshiped him. They were not only in a fearful position, their attitude of awe and respect for Jesus reflected their opinion for who they knew him to be - Almighty God.

Are you fearful of men and what they can do to you? If you don't know Christ, you need to be fearful. Today we call him Savior, but if you don't come to know him that way before you die, then you'll know him as Judge. And if that's the case, you need to be afraid - very afraid!

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ex. 37:1-38:31 Mt. 28:1-20 Ps. 34:11-22 Pr. 9:9-10 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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