What does fearing God mean in the context of Jeremiah 5:22? Setting the Scene “Do you not fear Me?” God asks Judah in Jeremiah 5:22. Their stubborn rebellion reveals that they have lost any real sense of awe. The Lord flashes one breathtaking example of His power—the shoreline He spoke into place—and reminds them the churning ocean still bows to His word. Jeremiah 5:22: “Do you not fear Me?” declares the LORD. “Do you not tremble before Me, the One who set the sand as a boundary for the sea, an enduring barrier it cannot cross? The waves may roar, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, yet they cannot cross it.” The Fear of God in Jeremiah 5:22 • Awe-filled recognition of God’s limitless power. • Deep respect for His authority to command creation and judge sin. • An inner trembling that refuses to treat Him casually. Reverence Rooted in God’s Sovereignty • God fixed the shoreline; neither tide nor tempest can erase His decree (Job 38:8-11). • The same voice that holds back oceans holds every life and nation accountable (Psalm 33:8-9). • Such mastery calls for reverence, not indifference. Fear that Produces Obedience • True fear moves from the mind to the will—“Fear God and keep His commandments” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). • Judah’s problem was willful disobedience (Jeremiah 5:23). • When fear is genuine, it results in humble submission, quick repentance, and eager obedience (Deuteronomy 10:12-13). Fear Versus Terror: The Father-Child Dynamic • Believers do not cower as condemned criminals; they stand in reverent awe as children who love the Father yet take Him seriously (Exodus 20:20; Hebrews 12:28-29). • The cross assures safety, yet never diminishes God’s holiness (Luke 12:4-5). How This Fear Manifests Today • Worship marked by wonder, not routine. • Moral choices shaped by God’s unchanging standards. • Words and plans filtered through conscious reverence. • Quick confession when sin surfaces (Proverbs 16:6). • Bold trust, knowing the One we fear also defends us (Psalm 34:7). Key Takeaways • Fearing God in Jeremiah 5:22 means standing in trembling awe of His power and authority. • This fear corrects spiritual complacency, driving heartfelt obedience. • Reverent fear is foundational to wisdom (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10) and indispensable for vibrant faith today. |
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