A recent article posted on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter claimed that God is for us and should not be feared. I am sure the author means well, but his perspective is quite misleading and humanistic. Let me explain.
God is for Himself!!
When the nation of Israel was about to attack Jericho, Joshua had this encounter with the Angel of the LORD:
And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, “Are You for us or for our adversaries?”
So He said, “No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come.” Joshua 5:13-14
The Commander of the army of the LORD was neither for Israel nor for their enemies. He was for the LORD; and He was determined to make sure that Israel was for the LORD, as well.
Bringing this forward to the New Covenant, the redemption prophecy in Ezekiel 36 states that God’s salvation of His people is for His name sake.
Therefore say to the house of Israel, “Thus says the Lord God: ‘I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went.'” Ezekiel 36:22
Furthermore, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Jesus commanded that we fear the LORD.
And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him! Luke 12:4-5
Clearly, Jesus was not talking about awe and reverence here. And He was talking to His friends (i.e., the enemies of God). Speaking of which, we best fear becoming like them.
Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. James 4:4
Even wanting to be a friend with the work makes us an enemy of God. What does that mean? We best find out! A lot of what the church has adopted as success looks a lot like the world.
Yes, God loves us, but this is not the same as being interested in our success. He is interested in our being devoted, surrendered, sacrificial, and submitted. He regularly ensures our failure to make it so.
Perhaps a secondary point here is that the Gospel is very easily compromised – even with good intentions. It should be sobering to recognize that good intentions can lead to compromise (and will not excuse it). Good intentions can leave those whom we love, for whom we are responsible, worshipping a false god.
We simply must get our thinking right about the foundations of our faith.
God bless you with a spirit of wisdom and revelation – and courage for the journey.
Humbly yours and forever His,
Rob