Then the Israelites declared to Moses, “Look, we’re perishing! We’re lost; we’re all lost! Anyone who comes near the LORD’s tabernacle will die. Will we all perish?” – Numbers 17:12-13
After Korah’s rebellion, the Israelites feared God as never before. The depth of that fear is expressed and recorded for us in their cries above. Yet, as seen in the events that followed, this fear did not translate into faithful obedience. It was a good start, but it was not enough.
The psalmist wrote, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight.” God’s wisdom is a direct result of His possession, but belief begins with fear … an understanding of His holiness … a conscious reverence. This reverence, if true belief is present, then moves on to God-honoring wisdom and obedience.
Perhaps the greatest problem in the prosperous, western church today is a lack of holy fear. Abundance and a lack of persecution have brought a spirit of independence and pride into our midst and we no longer possess a conscious reverence for God. One thing is certain, we shall certainly perish if we do not regain it.
To fear God, is one of the first and greatest duties of His rational creatures. – Charles Inglis
