25 Sep October 1st Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

BE IN AWE AND SHOW RESPECT TO THE LORD

2 Corinthians 5:11 “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord . . .”

When you think of the word fear you normally think it is referring to something that is dangerous and a threat to you.  To fear, be afraid, is an emotion that protects you from personal harm.  There is, however, another meaning for the word fear.  It also means to have awe, reverence, and respect.  The word fear in the Bible is used with both meanings.

Samuel instructed the Children of Israel,  “. . . fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you.”  (1 Samuel 12:24)  Moses instructed the Children of Israel in the wilderness, “. . . you, your children and their children after them may fear the Lord your God as long as you live by keeping all His decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life.” (Deuteronomy 6:2)  Luther, in giving the meaning to the Ten Commandments, begins with the phrase “we should fear and love God . . .”

In today’s devotional verse St. Paul says “since we know what it is to fear the Lord” he and Timothy had as their goal to “persuade others.”  Fearing God, that is being filled with awe, respect, and reverence for Him is the basis for how you conduct your Christian life.  His love for you, forgiveness of your sins and promise of eternal life fills you with this holy awe.

Luther says in his explanation to the First Commandment that a Christian will “fear, love and trust in God above all things.”  To do less than this is idolatry.  God says  “you shall have no others gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3)  With these words God then gave the remaining Ten Commandments.

Jesus says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  (Matthew 22:37)  “This,” He says, “is the greatest commandment.” Knowing the undeserved love of God you have received, His forgiveness of all of your sins, and His promise of everlasting life fills you with awe, respect, and reverence for Him.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, fill my heart with awe, reverence, and respect of my heavenly Father through Jesus Christ my Lord.  Amen.

Holy God, we praise Thy name; Lord of all, we bow before Thee.

All on earth Thy scepter claim, All in heav’n above adore Thee.

Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy reign.

Hark! The glad celestial hymn Angel choirs above are raising;

Cherubim and seraphim, In unceasing chorus praising,

Fill the heav’ns with sweet accord; Holy, holy, holy Lord!

Lo, the_apostle’s’ holy train Join Thy sacred name to hallow;

Prophets swell the glad refrain, And the white-robed martyrs follow,

And from morn to set of sun Through the Church the song goes on.

Thou art King of Glory, Christ; Son of God, yet born of Mary.

For us sinners sacrificed, As to death a Tributary,

First to break the bars of death, Thou hast opened heav’n to faith.

Holy Father, holy Son, Holy Spirit, three we name Thee;

Though in essence only one, Undivided God we claim Thee

And, adoring, bend the knee While we own the mystery.

(LSB 940)