He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now, I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me. Genesis 22:12
James 2:21 states that Abraham was justified by works when he offered Isaac on the altar. Abraham showed his faith by sincerely obeying God. True faith will reveal itself by obedience to God. True faith is the kind that which people are saved.
As Abraham was preparing to sacrifice Isaac, it was evident that Abraham was willing to do whatever God asked him to do. God knew that Abraham was a God-fearing man. Abraham had the highest reverence to God. He took God’s seriously and honored him completely. Abraham’s main concern was to do God’s will.
What does it mean to fear God? First of all, we have to know that God is loving, merciful, and forgiving. He is also holy, just, and righteous. Understanding who God is (his character) means accepting the fact that he is also justice and holiness that causes him to judge sin. Fearing the Lord means to be in awe of his holiness. We give him full reverence and honor God of great glory, majesty, purity, and power. True fear of the Lord causes believers to place their faith and trust in him alone for salvation. Fear of the Lord produces confidence, hope, and trust in Him. This is necessary when we are looking to God for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation. The fear of the Lord is also recognizing that God is angry over sin. He has the power to punish those who are arrogant before Him.
The Lord will provide. God sometimes tests his children’s faith. 1 Peter 4:12-14 says this kind of testing is an honor to God’s kingdom. We can trust God to provide everything that is necessary for him to work out his plans and desires in our lives. God works his purpose through the death of a vision, which means God will allow things to happen in our lives that may destroy our hopes and dreams so that he can fulfill his hopes and dreams in our lives in a greater way. We can find the true meaning of the purpose of our life by surrendering to God and his will, whatever that requires. In the end, the result of suffering through any test of faith will make us better understand that God is compassionate and merciful.
Do you understand the fear of the Lord?
Do you fear the Lord?
Do you believe that everything God does is for his honor and for us also?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving us. For being a God that is merciful and compassionate. God, I pray that we will fear you in a way that is honoring to you. Help us to keep the faith in our sufferings and what you ask of us.
In Jesus Name
Amen
