To Those Who Fear Him (+Young Professionals Tonight)!
Good morning, Immanuel. The fear of God is not a low-grade fear of judgment but a gospel hope of his mercy towards the undeserving.
"And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation" (Luke 1:50).
What comes to mind when you think of the fear of God? Often, we associate it with reasons to run away and hide. In the Bible, people who encountered God's holiness trembled in his presence. When Isaiah saw the glory of the Lord, he lamented his spiritual condition. When Jesus revealed his glory to the disciples, Peter was afraid and wanted Jesus to depart from him. These responses make sense because fear and condemnation often go hand in hand.
But in Luke 1, fear and condemnation do not go together; instead, it is fear and mercy! His mercy is for those who fear him. His mercy is for us. Mary rejoices because the holiness of God encompasses his eagerness to redeem his people.
46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant” (Luke 1:46-48).
She saw the deeper reality that God was not coming down to give us what we deserve but to bless us according to his mercy! Truly, God’s mercy comes to the lowly who know they have nothing to bargain with (the humble estate). Dear believer, the fear of God is not a low-grade fear of judgment but a gospel hope of his mercy towards the undeserving.
TONIGHT
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GATHERING - Join us tonight (June 20) for our Young Professionals gathering. We’ll gather at Richland Park at 6:30 pm for fellowship and encouragement. Bring your own food, and don’t forget to bring some yard games. This will be a great time to invite a friend or co-worker. We hope to see you there!
Good.News!!