Short devotions: A Healthy Fear - Acts 19:17

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:

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/8848721259_3dd10c0f01_b.jpg

Ash Wednesday devotion: Coming Soon - Exodus 20:20

Exodus 20:20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

            Sometimes I wonder when and where the world started to go wrong. It may be that I’m getting older and just don’t understand the times that we are living in. It could be that we’re all heading down a road that will lead to the betterment of humankind: I don’t know. It just seems to me that we’re becoming more self-centered, self-opinionated, and self-motivated than ever before. Godless behavior and brazen ways have captivated our people. There’s no more decency, respect, or courtesy. People do their own thing, go their own way, and live their own lives.

            We all love sin a bit too much these days and this is breaking down our relationships, families, and communities. It could be called amoral anarchy, religious recklessness, or fickle faithlessness. Whatever it is, at some point we’re going to have to pay the piper and deal with the consequences. There is no such thing as free freedom or cheap grace. When Jesus returns, we will be judged for what we are doing or have done; His Word will be final and there will be no appeal.

The other day, I wrote a short poem as a reminder about what we as Christians believe will happen. It’s called “Coming Soon.”

Coming Soon

There will be a time

When no one will ask,

“Is Jesus real?”

There will be a day

When guns will be silent

And humanity will heal.

There will be a year

When death is destroyed

And pain will disappear;

For there will be an hour

When the world will say,

“Jesus is here!”

Questions for personal reflection

Am I living my life for myself or God? Do I really believe that Jesus will return to judge the world?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, at times our world is spinning out of control and we are fearful for its future. Instead of loving God, many are devoted to sin. Instead of following Your way, many are making up their own paths. Keep us and guide us, lead us and protect us in Your Holy Name. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Celtic Cross drawings. It’s called “Celtic Sky.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click on the following link: http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8326/8427665601_07363c1307_b.jpg