Knowing the Terror of the Lord
2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
Introduction: I wish everyone happy new year again.
The Almighty God will watch over us and our families from the beginning of this year to the end in Jesus name.
This new year, knowledge of the terror of the Lord will keep us on the right track in His service.
David knew the terror of the Lord and said in Psalm 68:35 God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.
When Nehemiah was interceding for Israelites in captivity, he acknowledged God as great and terrible.
Nehemiah 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
Knowing the Terror of the Lord will enable us to fear God that we do not see than man that we can see.
Despite punishment and warning from religious leaders to the apostles of old, they chose to obey God unlike Christians of nowadays who can disobey God to receive favour from man. Apostles were adamant to obey God because they knew the terror of the Lord against disobedient children.
Acts 5:27-29 (NLT) Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!” But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.
Behaviour of Christians in church nowadays do not show reverential fear for God because we do not see Him physically. Those who fear God despite inability to see Him physically serve God in sincerity and truth.
Joshua 24:14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.
Knowing what leaders or superior can do to us if we commit offence makes us to fear and desist from breaking the law.
🛑 Anyone who knows what unseen God can do against law breakers or sinners will fear Him whether in public or in secret.
Jesus Christ told His Disciples who to fear and who not to fear
Matthew 10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Scriptures speak through prophet Isaiah to warn Israelites during their constant disobedience to the commandments of God.
Isaiah 8:13 Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.
The historical fact about king Nebuchadnezzar who became animal and ate grass for seven years is written for us so that we can know the terror of the Lord.
Hear what a king said after suffering for seven years
Daniel 4:34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:
🛑 We do not need to suffer for disobedience before knowing the Terror of the Lord.
As we sojourn here on earth, let us fear God by striving to do what is right because God does not respect person nor partial in His judgment. Some men of God present themselves as God’s favourite to put people under financial bondage.
1 Peter 1:17(NLT) And remember that the heavenly Father to whom you pray has no favorites. He will judge or reward you according to what you do. So you must live in reverent fear of him during your time here as “temporary residents.”
In decision making when it comes to acquisition of wealth, we often forget that we are temporary residents here on earth.
Knowing the Terror of the Lord brings obedience to His words and will keep away God’s anger because in the day of His anger towards disobedient children, there shall be no escape or survival.
Lamentations 2:22(NLT) “You have invited terrors from all around, as though you were calling them to a day of feasting. In the day of the lord’s anger, no one has escaped or survived. The enemy has killed all the children whom I carried and raised.”
Do not allow the enemy to steal, destroy and kill because of disobedience to the Great and Terrible God.
Conclusively my brethren, as we start the new year, let us study Deuteronomy 28: 15-68 to know the travails of disobedient children of God. Knowing the Terror of God makes Christians to fear God and keep His commandments at all cost which is the Christian’s duty.
Ecclesiastes 12:13(NLT) That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thing, whether good or bad.
✋ Maranatha
