Acts 19:17 When
this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all
seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor.
Sometimes when I read the New Testament,
I wonder why the word ‘fear’ is ever associated with Jesus. Like most people, I
tend to see Jesus as loving and non-judgmental, a person who could find the
good in anyone; a prophet who attracted people to God; and a teacher who showed
the world how to live. I understand how honoring and worshipping Jesus for
those positive qualities has endeared me to Christ, but what about this fear
that the New Testament writers express? What has fear got to do with Jesus?
‘Fear’ in this context goes beyond being
afraid. It really means to completely respect Christ for who He actually is:
the Holy Son of God. ‘Fear’ then describes the awe and reverence that we should
feel when we think about, worship, and honor Jesus. It also means that we
actively submit to His power and teaching, His authority and realm. We are not
equal to Christ, although He does restore us as sons and daughters of God. He
is the Chosen One, the Eternal Crown Prince, the True Heir to God’s Kingdom.
Throughout our days on Earth and in Eternity, He will always be our Master,
Lord, Ruler, and King. We will always be His servants in the Everlasting Realm,
if we choose to repent and follow Him on Earth.
So when we read about ‘fear’ being
associated with Christ in the New Testament, it’s a healthy fear – a total
respect for who Jesus is and a complete submission to His power.
Questions for personal reflection
How do I express
and display my loyalty to Christ? Do I understand that I am called to serve Him
and not the other way around?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, grant us a healthy fear
of Who You are so that our lives may be challenged and changed by Your words
and ways. Give us opportunities to positively serve You so that others may be
attracted to Your majesty and power, as well as Your love and grace. In Your
Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John
Stuart is the pastor of Erin
Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment
or ask a question about today’s passage, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.
Today’s
image is one of John’s latest Mackintosh style drawings. It’s called “Butterfly
on Thistle.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the
following link:
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