What other Bible stories show fear of the Lord leading to worship? Setting the Pattern in Jonah 1:16 “Then the men feared the LORD greatly, and they offered a sacrifice to the LORD and made vows to Him.” Jonah’s sailors discover that holy fear is not terror that drives us away but reverence that draws us near. Scripture repeats this pattern again and again. Moments of Deliverance that Spark Worship • Exodus 14:31 – 15:1 • “When Israel saw the great power that the LORD had exercised over the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him…” • Their awe erupts into the Song of Moses. • Joshua 4:23-24; 5:10 • After the Jordan dries up, “all the peoples… may fear the LORD your God forever.” • Israel immediately celebrates Passover at Gilgal, honoring Him. • Jesus stills the storm; “those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, ‘Truly You are the Son of God!’” Revelations of God’s Presence that Drop People to Their Knees • Thunder, lightning, trumpet blast—Israel trembles, then stands in reverent distance while Moses approaches to hear God’s words. • Gideon cries out in fear after seeing the Angel of the LORD; he responds by building an altar named “The LORD Is Peace.” • Fire falls on Mount Carmel; the crowd falls facedown, repeating, “The LORD, He is God!” • Glory fills Solomon’s temple; “all the Israelites… bowed down… and worshiped the LORD.” Encounters at Christ’s Arrival that Blend Fear and Praise • Shepherds are “terribly afraid” when glory surrounds them, yet they end up “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” • Women leave the empty tomb “with fear and great joy,” meet the risen Jesus, and “took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.” Early-Church Episodes Where Holy Fear Fuels Devotion • “A sense of awe came over everyone,” and the believers devote themselves to teaching, fellowship, and “praising God.” • After Ananias and Sapphira fall dead, “great fear seized the whole church,” yet “more and more believers were brought to the Lord.” Thread That Ties Them Together • God acts—often through miracle, judgment, or glory. • People are gripped by fear that recognizes His absolute holiness. • Fear matures into worship—songs sung, sacrifices offered, knees bent, vows made. • Worship then witnesses to others, spreading the fear-filled reverence further (Exodus 15:14-16; Acts 2:47). Living the Pattern Today The same progression remains open to us: glimpse His power in Scripture and daily providence, let holy fear settle our hearts, and respond with wholehearted worship that draws others toward Him. |
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