What other biblical passages discuss fear and trembling in God's presence? Jeremiah 30:5—A Cry of Terror “ Yes, this is what the LORD says: ‘We have heard a cry of panic—of terror, not of peace.’ ” (Jeremiah 30:5) Jeremiah’s prophecy pictures a nation so aware of God’s coming judgment that panic replaces peace—a setting that echoes countless passages where people meet the holy presence of God with fear and trembling. Old-Testament Moments of Holy Dread • Exodus 20:18 “When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance.” • Deuteronomy 5:24–25 Israel confesses, “We have seen this day that God speaks with man, yet he lives… For this great fire will consume us.” • Psalm 2:11 “Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” • Psalm 99:1 “The LORD reigns; let the nations tremble! He is enthroned between the cherubim; let the earth quake.” • Psalm 114:7 “Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob.” • Isaiah 66:2 “…this is the one I will esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, who trembles at My word.” • Daniel 10:11 “At his words I stood trembling.” • Habakkuk 3:16 “I heard and my body trembled; my lips quivered… I trembled where I stood.” Personal Encounters That Left Saints Shaking • Moses Heb 12:21—“The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, ‘I am trembling with fear.’ ” • Woman healed by Jesus Mk 5:33—“The woman, with fear and trembling… came and fell down before Him.” • Roman guards at the tomb Mt 28:4—“The guards trembled in fear of him and became like dead men.” • Philippian jailer Ac 16:29—“[He] rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.” • John on Patmos Rev 1:17—“When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man.” Corporate Calls to Worship With Awe • Philippians 2:12 “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” • 1 Corinthians 2:3 “I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” • Hebrews 12:28-29 “Let us worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” Why Fear and Trembling Matter • They signal a right grasp of God’s holiness. • They guard against casual, flippant approaches to His Word and presence. • They coexist with joyful trust; the same Scriptures that call us to tremble also invite us to rejoice (Psalm 2:11) and draw near (Hebrews 4:16). Living the Pattern Today • Approach Scripture expecting it to shake you (Isaiah 66:2). • Let gathered worship be marked by heartfelt reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Hold both fear and joy together, as Jeremiah’s prophecy ultimately leads to comfort and restoration (Jeremiah 30:10-11). |
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