Freedom in Fear or Lessons From "The Fly"

It occurred to me that my thoughts on fear were actually incomplete. For I was reminded that the way to real freedom is through fear. Fear is the foundation to such things as wisdom, knowledge, loyalty, faithfulness, understanding, praise, riches, honor, and life. These are  just a few of the benefits of fear that we find in God's Holy Word. The key is where your fear resides. These treasures, and many more, are founded in the fear of the Lord. The question then arises, "What does it mean to fear the Lord?" What does God require of those who fear Him? Is this some terrifying thing or just some sort of mutual respect that we have with our Heavenly Father? How does fear fit with that "Abba Father" thing the Apostle Paul speaks of? It seems there is more to fear than just our phobias.  

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge." So says Proverbs 1:7. The Hebrew word is yira. It means terror, fear, an awesome or terrifying thing. It carries the nuance of reverence and respect, but there is no denying the aspect of real fear. There are a number of words in Hebrew translated fear, such as pachad, which carries more of the idea of dread. "And the fear of the LORD fell on all the nations of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat" (2 Chron. 17:10, emphasis mine). However, even here it should be noted that it still comes down to the idea of being afraid. Having a very real fear of YAHWEH. 

In our evangelical communities we emphasize the remarkable grace of God and His mercy. These are vital to our survival. The message of grace permeates God's Word from Genesis to Revelation. But actual fear of God is also there from beginning to end. Remember, Hebrews 10:31 is in the Bible: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." So is God the God of grace we can call Abba, or is He the God to be feared who strikes terror in the hearts of mankind?

Let us get a little practical here. If you really fear someone you will do what they tell you to do. You do not want to displease them. Now if they give you clear instructions and directions in writing as to how you are to behave, then all you have to do is obey and the fear is reduced. And if you know that rule book never changes, you then know precisely how to live. There is actual freedom in the boundaries. Beyond this, the powerful one you fear provides everything you need from the physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and social realms of life. That would give you a sense of appreciation. Maybe even love. Living without boundaries and having no idea what to do an any situation is really a pretty fearful way to live. 

The healthy fear of God should drive us to want to know what He desires of us. We do this by the study of His Word. In so doing we become wise, discerning, acquire knowledge and understanding. We learn of how His love, mercy and grace are poured out on those who fear Him. Solomon was wise enough to know that the fear of the LORD truly is foundational to to all God has for us. In our Western and American frame of mind we see discontinuity where God sees integrated truth. Fear, love, grace and mercy are not separate categories of God's relationship with us. He desires the best for us. However, He is still God. He is awesome, almighty, holy and never to be taken lightly. 

It may well be that we have things out of balance. Our light approach and lack of the fear of the Lord allows us to excuse our lack of study, our lack of obedience, and our lack of commitment. We just rest in His amazing grace and presume that God really does not care. In so doing we rob ourselves of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Just look at the stupidly absurd choices the world makes where we have lost the understanding of male and female. There is no fear of God. There is no knowledge. There is no understanding. We do not want to follow the world's example. We need the fear of the Lord if we are to know His wisdom and have His understanding.

We need to rest in God's amazing grace. We need the comfort of His mercy. We need to learn of the depth of His love and compassion. However we can not know these outside of His Word. We cannot know these without an understanding of the fear of the God. If not, then Solomon was incorrect. Maybe, Jeff Goldblum (as Seth Brundle) in the 1986 version of "The Fly" had it right: "Be afraid, be very afraid". God says it is the beginning of knowledge, and only a fool rejects the fear of the Almighty. Are you afraid yet?

Don't Be a Fraidy-Cat

Fear. It is a reality that touches pretty much all that are breathing. No one likes to be afraid.  Most are aware of some of the multitude of phobias that we can use to categorize label our discomfort. A few are well known, like hydrophobia - fear of water, acrophobia - fear of heights or claustrophobia - fear of confined spaces. Some fears are less familiar such as xerophobia - fear of dryness, or one of my favorites, sesquipedalophobia - the fear of long words. Which is almost an oxymoron when you think about it. Unless you are afraid of oxymorons, then you wouldn't want to think about it at all. The point is we all have a variety of fears that can plague our psyches. Depending on your level of concern, fear can be an inconvenience or something debilitating. Fear has been around for a very long time. We are not meant to live with such a cloud hanging over us. One of the truths about fear is its ability to imprison us, or at least prohibit us from achieving what we could have accomplished if we had not succumbed to its tentacles.

When we look to the Word of God we find that we are not alone when it comes to fear. "Fear not", is the common greeting of the Lord to the Patriarchs (see Genesis 15:1, 21:17, 46:3). It is also true with angelic visitors (See Matthew 1:20, Luke 1:13 & 30). The events recorded in Exodus 3 demonstrate that Moses was less than excited about being called to rescue God's people from Egypt and Pharaoh. One is tempted to chuckle when the Lord visits Gideon, "And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valor" (Judges 6:12). The context reminds us that Gideon is threshing wheat by the wine press to hide it from the Midianites. Gideon is given instructions by the Lord to tear down an alter to Baal, "Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night" (Judges 6:27). Not the glowing example of a "mighty man" that most of us would appreciate. However, even though Gideon is afraid, he obeys anyway, even if it is a sort of covert obedience.

Perhaps one of the most glaring illustrations of the fear that can touch a follower of the Lord is that of Peter. The bold disciple cowers at the question of a servant girl (Luke 22:57). Peter is, very simply, afraid. The really good news is that God was not done with Peter. Peter will not remain a fearful failure. He will be restored and be the champion God intended him to be. John Mark has the same experience of restoration. After deserting Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia (Acts 13), Paul later says Mark is useful to him for service (2 Timothy 4:11). Perhaps Timothy is not the only one on Paul's heart when he writes to Timothy, "God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7). If Timothy and others were not given to issues of fear, these words would have never been penned.

When we think of the fearful we could also include Esther, Saul, Elijah, the nine disciples who ran from the garden, just to name a few. It is not unusual for the people of God to be apprehensive or even outright afraid. The question is, what will we do with the fear? Will it control us or will we, by the power of God, overcome the fear. Beyond this, when we fail, how will we rebound? I have been walking with the Lord for a good number of years and must admit that there is a bit of turmoil in my being when I am confronted about my faith. I really do not like confrontation. I usually take a breath and the Spirit comes to my rescue more often than not. Fear, when we let it run it's course, can imprison us. It can keep us from the things we could experience and the mission God has for us.

Fear often destroys the freedom to do things we could enjoy. It can keep us from the simple joys like amusement park rides, climbing a mountain, taking a cruise, or riding a bike. It can prohibit us from teaching a class, leading a Bible study, questioning a teaching, or taking a mission trip. Fear can be an insidious thief robbing us from ministries and service God has called us to experience. Fear can draw us into disobedience and even a quiet rebellion with a lack of trust in the God who delivered us. I am not suggesting that fear of heights, or water, or darkness, is sin. Some of those deep seated phobias may never be fully conquered. However, the Apostle John reminds us that, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love" (1 John 4:18). Punishment or torment is the byproduct of fear. It needs to be conquered as we move forward with Messiah. 

We need to encourage one another to overcome and conquer fear. We can take a cue from the Apostle Paul as he encouraged Timothy. We can follow the example of the Lord and His people as they encouraged Joshua in Joshua chapter one. As we travel down the roads that God directs us to take, we need to remember that we are to be strong and courageous. By God's grace we need to move past fear into trust and obedience. The result will be joy in the Lord for the victory He gives. The alternative may leave us imprisoned and tormented. Perhaps you need some Godly counsel or a trusted friend to help deal with your fears. What I do know is that fear is not the abundant life Messiah promised those who follow Him. Is it time to face your fears?

Attaining Perfection?

Have you ever been told that practice makes perfect? My mom used that phrase to encourage me to do everything from practicing music to making my bed. I did improve and can still make some pretty tight "hospital corners" when I put a sheet on a bed. But, perfection? Not really. It seems the simple phrase, if taken literally, can leave us a bit discouraged knowing it can never be achieved. Even if we get all the notes right when playing the concerto it will be less than perfect to someone else who plays the piece. I would have to say my mother's expectation for perfection was really just a hope that I would keep trying to get better. That is fine for mom, but what do we do with God's expectations?

No less than seven times does God command His followers to "be perfect". Beyond that God commands us to "be holy" at least forty times. Are these realistic expectations? Does God mean this or is He like my mom and just wants me to try to be better? Matthew 5:48, "Therefore, you are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" seems pretty straight forward. Be perfect in the same way that God is perfect. I am human, broken, a sinner, way less than perfect. It is true, I am clothed in Christ's righteousness and hold a position in glory because of Him. However, in the context of Matthew 5 the Lord is speaking about real life "now" sort of behavior, not in the sweet by and by. Is God making a demand we can never achieve?

It does not seem fair or like God to place us in a position where failure is the guaranteed result. So how do we achieve perfection or to become holy as He is holy?  Perhaps looking at the words in Hebrew and Greek can help.Both in Hebrew and in Greek the word holy means to be separated, or dedicated to the service of the Lord. everything from a building, to utensils, to animals, to first born sons, and God's people. Work can also be holy, any task dedicated to the Lord can be a holy endeavor. God calling us to be holy is simply to separate ourselves to Him, His work, and to obedience to His Word. Most of us can grasp that concept and can strive to be dedicated or separated unto the Lord. The command for us to be holy is not unattainable when we look at holiness from this perspective.

Perfection from the Hebrew tamiym means to be without blemish, complete,entire, truth and integrity. The Greek teleios likewise means complete, flawless, full compliance to a standard of, to come to completion. A bit more challenging to be flawless or without blemish. Being in full compliance of a standard at least gives us a way to measure, if we know what the standard is. Based on knowing the right standard it can also be said that perfect carries with it the idea of always making the right choices. God is perfect because He always makes the right choices. However, He may not always make the same choice. It is not that God is contradictory; it is that He always knows and make the right choice. Some choices reflect His mercy; others reflect His justice. Whatever decision God makes, it is always the right decision. He is perfect in all of His ways.

Perfection rests in our ability to make right choices based on the Word of God. Obedience is a matter of whether the choices we make are in agreement with God's standard. The standard we find in His word. We will never come to a point where we always make the right choice or always abide in His word flawlessly. However, there is hope. You and I have the ability to obey. You and I have the ability to know what God's standard is. The excuse of, "Hey, nobody is perfect," really is an excuse. If we spent more time learning what God's standards are, and striving to walk in them, maybe perfection would not seem so far removed from reality. The Apostle John's encouragement to us is this, "For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome" (1 John 5:3). 

God's commandments are not impossible to bear. They are not beyond our capability. They just seem hard to follow consistently. From the world's perspective we are imperfect and lack holiness. However, from God's perspective we really are separated for His service. We really are those dedicated by Him for His use. Our acts of obedience to God's standard is pleasing to Him and perfection is just a decision away. We can take comfort with those in Philippi, "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). The word comes from the same root as teleios, to bring to completion or perfection. Perfection is on the way. Even now it can be our experience. We just need to learn God's standard and put it into our daily lives. Paul tells us to not get discouraged, don't give up. Messiah began a good work in you and He will keep working on you until you get it right. We may never be flawless in this life yet making right choices is more reasonable than you may think. Being known as a person of integrity is an attainable goal. It just take practice. Hmmm. Maybe my mom was right after all.

Where are the Sheep? or No One Will Like This Post

When did you last see a book or hear a message on how to be a follower? I do not mean how to be a follower of Jesus, Messiah. But, how do you conform to God's Scriptures as one who follows. What are your Biblical responsibilities when it comes to following the leadership of your local assembly of believers? I am aware that we all stand in equality before God: "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:5). We also "Are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light" (1 Peter 2:9). However, we are not all the same. We have observed that in a post citing 1 Corinthians 12. As Christ's body we each have an essential role to play. No part is better than another, yet each part has a different function. The Biblical reality is that God has so designed His body that some lead and others follow.

God, for whatever reason, has chosen to be somewhat vague when it comes to the structure of His Messianic assemblies. These assemblies, or churches, have found their own way. Some lean toward leadership provided by one person. Others, a group of people. Still others find direction provided by the majority. While some have a more elaborate denominational system or hierarchy, most fellowships have some combination of the above and all can find some Biblical support. However, when it comes to assemblies in America, we incorporate our culture far more than we may think. Here, everyone has an equal voice and an equal vote. Everyone has a sense of personal rights and authority. Even in groups that proclaim leadership by one person or by a group of Elders it does not prohibit desertion or rebellion. If you disagree you can voice your disapproval and recruit others to your cause. Some people simply have no compulsion to follow. They feel their opinion is just as valid, and if the leadership does not agree with them it is due to the spiritual insensitivity or heavy handed actions of those who lead. Thus, division is rampant in the Body of Christ.

What are we to do? We need to take a little time to consider what it is to follow and the consequences when we choose not to. First, it needs to be recognized that leadership is a gift from God. Placing individuals in positions of oversight or leadership among God's people has been a part of God's design for a very long time. We find Abraham leading his family and servants. Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and Joshua all lead God's people. God then provided Gideon, Deborah, and a number of others to lead as judges over Israel. We then add Samuel, Saul, David and the long lists of kings. Even in exile, Daniel, Mordecai, Esther, and Nehemiah rise to places of influence and leadership. With this recorded history we should not be surprised to see the Lord do something similar after Messiah has come. It is His plan to assign Elders as those who oversee and shepherd His flock. Paul tells the Elders of Ephesus, "Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood" (Acts 20:28). Timothy is told to appoint Bishops, Presbyters, or Elders to oversee the ministry and gives their qualifications in 1 Timothy chapter three. Paul instructs Titus to do the same in Titus 1:5-9. God has provided leadership and their qualifications so the local assemblies, or churches, will not be left without shepherds who lead and teach.

This is for the benefit of all who worship and serve together. Leadership is simply one of the many gifts the Holy Spirit bestows as He sees fit. It is a serious position worthy of respect. Timothy is told, "The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching" (1 Timothy 5:17). The responsibility of the sheep is to "Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you" (Hebrews 13:17). and if you disagree you should take note of 1 Timothy 5:19, "Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses." According to God's Word, bringing an accusation against an Elder is a serious thing. However, as Americans, we sometimes feel free to adopt a critical attitude toward those in leadership and to accuse them of "sheep beating" when we don't get our way. Beware of the seeds of pride and rebellion when you determine to undermined the leadership of the assembly you fellowship with. God resists the proud and He equates rebellion with witchcraft. 

There are times when the Leaders of an assembly of believers fail or give abrasive leadership. They are only human. However, if we are honest, the color of carpet, the addition of a janitor, furniture for the teen room and new rocking chairs for the nursery are not evidence of abusive leadership. Yet, I have seen all these lead to uprisings and Elders and Pastors resigning. The Body suffers, God's ministry suffers, and division marks the reputation of Messiah's Church. It should not be.

Like it or not, God has determined that some should lead, oversee, and give direction. It is a position not to be accepted lightly. It is a high calling to be one who is to shepherd God's flock. One most who are called take quite seriously. It cannot be denied, God selects some to be shepherds. Perhaps the bigger question is, "Where are the sheep?"