What does "fear this glorious and awesome name" mean for believers now? Context of Deuteronomy 28:58 - “If you do not carefully observe all the words of this Law that are written in this book, and fear this glorious and awesome name—the LORD your God—” (Deuteronomy 28:58). - Moses is warning Israel that blessing or judgment hinges on wholehearted obedience and reverent fear of God’s name. What “fear” Means in Scripture - Reverent awe: standing in breath-taking amazement before God’s holiness (Isaiah 6:1–5). - Deep respect that compels obedience (Ecclesiastes 12:13; John 15:14). - A sober awareness that God judges sin (Hebrews 12:28-29; Acts 5:1-11). - Not a paralyzing terror for believers, but a worshipful posture of heart that fuels love and trust (Psalm 130:3-4; 1 John 4:18). Why His Name Is Called “Glorious and Awesome” - “LORD” (YHWH) reveals His self-existence and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 3:14). - “Glorious” points to unmatched splendor (Psalm 29:2). - “Awesome” underscores majesty that inspires trembling worship (Psalm 99:3). - The New Testament unveils that name in Jesus: “God exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name” (Philippians 2:9-11). How Believers Today Live Out This Fear 1. Whole-life obedience • “Be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • We pursue integrity because we stand before the all-seeing Lord (2 Corinthians 7:1). 2. Worship saturated with awe • Gather, sing, and serve mindful of His holiness (Hebrews 12:28). • Casual worship drains reverence; conscious worship rekindles it. 3. Hatred of sin • “Through the fear of the LORD a man turns aside from evil” (Proverbs 16:6). • Repent quickly; treat no sin as small because His name is great. 4. Bold yet humble witness • Early church “walked in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 9:31). • Reverence frees us from fearing people (Matthew 10:28). 5. Joyful security • The One we fear is also the One who redeems (Psalm 34:7-9). • Reverence and trust grow together; awe leads to deeper assurance (Romans 11:20-22). Takeaway To “fear this glorious and awesome name” means cultivating a continual, worshipful awareness of God’s unrivaled majesty that moves us to loving obedience, holy living, and confident witness. Such fear keeps our hearts soft, our steps straight, and our worship vibrant in every season. |
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