When considering powerful things in nature like volcanoes and hurricanes, Immanuel Kant once wrote, “We may look upon an object as fearful, and yet not be afraid of it…A righteous man fears God without being afraid of Him…”
From one perspective, God is terrifying…from another He is captivating, beautiful, and altogether lovely.
We are reminded of the time John saw the resurrected Jesus: “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying, ‘Fear not…’” (Rev. 1:17).
God’s desire for us is that we rise up above the fear and dread that cripples so many (cf. 2 Tim. 1:7).
The righteous person fears God without being afraid of Him.
“The fear of the LORD leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.” (Prov. 19:23)
Are you afraid of God or do you lovingly fear Him? The answer matters!
