September 29 | 1 Peter 1:17-19
DAILY READING
REFLECTION
The Reverent Fear We Have Here
By Vincent Jerrome
It's not too often you think of the New Testament scripture commanding fear of us.
Most of the time, we look at it for strength and courage.
It is not hard at all to be afraid of the world.
As we look around us, there are infinite sources of anxiety to choose from; war, instability, corruption, violence and deceit.
Sometimes it feels like the fear never ends. Go to bed and grind your teeth at night, wake up and fear for what the day ahead may bring.
It is very easy to feel like this could not possibly be a place we belong. Truly like a foreigner in a strange land that we can hardly make sense of.
At this time, we must think of our true home. The one we find in the precious blood of the Lamb. The one our Lord God has prepared for us from the very start.
This is echoed in the history of the Israelites. Thoughts of the Babylonian exile, or even Egypt would surely come to mind for the original audience of this letter.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and I believe this is the fear this passage is truly commanding of us.
Reverent Fear; one of respect and acknowledgement for the perfect power the Lord possesses in all times and over all things. There is no power on Earth that could harm us that our all powerful and perfect creator could not uplift us from. Not fear of one that could only harm the body, but reverence for the One that has true authority over the Soul. Just as Jesus has taught us.
The cares of the world pale in comparison to what our true home will bring. There is nothing here in this foreign land that the blood of Christ will not wash away.
This may not take all the fears we have away, or change our feeling of not belonging, but it will surely give us the reverence of the Lord’s great power, and remind us that we will soon return to where we truly belong. In Christ, where we'll rest forever in perfect love.
PRAYER
Dear Lord, remind us daily of the promised land that is in Christ. Although we are riddled with unending anxieties, and find ourselves helpless to fix this at times, please let us find comfort in you and your word. Let us set our minds and hearts on things far greater than the foreign earthly things in front of us. Let us continue with reverent fear of your perfect will and power.
Amen.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vincent Jerrome
I have grown up at UALC doing everything from baptism, VBS, confirmation, youth group, and work with FESTA. I have loved it all and am proud to be a part of this community. My parents Corey & Jennifer made sure faith was first and foremost in our family, and Cassidy and I plan on raising our son Harvey the same way!
Just what i needed today. Thank you!