Failing To Fear God Part 1
Throughout history, various individuals, as depicted in the Bible, have succumbed to the grip of fear, leading to dire consequences for themselves and those around them. The narrative illustrates how fear, whether of missing out, losing loved ones, or facing mortality, has often resulted in actions contrary to divine will, resulting in calamity and suffering.
Eve's apprehension about missing out on the knowledge offered by the forbidden fruit led her to transgress divine commandments, initiating a chain of events that brought condemnation upon humanity. Similarly, Adam's fear of losing Eve prompted him to partake in the forbidden fruit, thereby implicating the entirety of humankind.
Cain's fear of rejection fueled his descent into anger and bloodshed, while Nimrod's fear of losing power and influence led him to disobey divine instructions, resulting in the confusion of languages. Abraham, driven by fear of scarcity and mortality, sought refuge in Egypt, only to face contention and loss, culminating in brutal strife between his offspring for thousands of years.
Subsequent figures, such as Lot, Isaac, and Jacob, each faced their own fears, leading to deception, loss, and risk-taking, with repercussions extending to their descendants. Even formidable rulers like Pharaoh, haunted by fear of the Hebrews, resorted to genocide, only to suffer ruin and demise.
The accounts of Saul, David, and other prominent figures underscore how fear can lead to disobedience, murder, and downfall. Saul's fear of his subjects and adversaries led to fatal errors in judgment, ultimately resulting in the loss of his kingdom and life. David's fear of exposure drove him to commit murder, inviting divine retribution and generational curses.
Moreover, fear manifested in societal contexts, as seen in King Herod's ruthless pursuit of power and the Pharisees' rejection of Jesus due to fear of Roman reprisal. Even Peter, despite demonstrating faith, faltered when fear eclipsed his trust, leading to denial and spiritual crisis.
In light of these narratives, the Bible exhorts believers to prioritize reverence for God over human fears. By embracing a fear of God, characterized by a hatred of evil, individuals can find deliverance from the dominion of sin and its destructive effects. Understanding God's love necessitates acknowledging His abhorrence of evil, which jeopardizes His cherished creation.
Ultimately, the admonition to fear God serves as a safeguard against succumbing to worldly fears, recognizing His sovereignty and righteous judgment. Rather than yielding to fear of mortal consequences, believers are urged to prioritize fidelity to divine principles, knowing that obedience to God mitigates the power of evil and ensures spiritual preservation beyond earthly life.
In this series we will explore each of these figures, and how by keeping the Fear of God could have saved them from great troubles, and even death.