14-Apr-2024 – The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge
The Fear of the LORD is the Beginning of Knowledge – Proverbs 1:7
Today, we are celebrating a wonderful work of God, which shows us the best way to live our lives in a victorious and fruitful manner. The fear of the LORD is not just the beginning—it is the gateway to knowledge.
Even today, in an era of democracies and republics, the concept of a kingdom can teach us about reverence. Imagine a royal king standing nearby. It would be a great privilege to be near him, and likely, we would greet him with a respectful “Hello, sir,” or a reverent wave. Though the king may pose no threat to us, we respect him for his authority and position.
This reverence changes in a context where the king is unrecognized, such as when he visits a mall in a foreign country without his royal entourage. There, he might be ignored by those who do not recognize his status.
Understanding the fear of God starts by knowing who He is. I use the acronym “CPP” to summarize His roles:
- Creator: God created me and everything for me—my identity, social status, family, and opportunities. The list is extensive.
- Provider: He provides the best things in life, comfort during distress, wisdom for decision-making, and numerous opportunities He has created.
- Protector: He protects me from sin’s consequences, all dangers, and the snares of the devil. He safeguards my purpose and identity according to His will.
Recognizing that my joyous life is created, provided, and protected by the God of heaven and earth instills in me a deep reverence for Him.
When I am in His presence, I cannot act indifferently. When I hear His words, I cannot simply ignore them as if they were unfamiliar. This recognition is the beginning of true knowledge.
But what knowledge do we gain? We acquire understanding of the divine plans prepared for us, insights into spiritual matters, and the skills to navigate worldly challenges triumphantly.
The fear of the LORD delivers us from the fears of hell and death.
Prayer
Dear loving heavenly Father, thank you for the wonderful work You have done to establish a life-giving path for us. The fear of the Lord is the gateway to receiving the best things in life from You. In our daily lives, there are many moments when we forget Your presence and engage in actions we would avoid if we stood before You physically. Help us to correct this attitude, to behave with the same reverence whether we recognize Your presence or not. I pray in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.
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