A Holy Fear of God

A holy fear of the Lord is produced by reverential awe and respect. We can find it when we behold His power and might intertwine with His humility. We can find it in the awareness of our sin and the knowledge that it is only through Jesus’ sacrifice, which we do not deserve, that we get to approach the throne of God and be seated with Christ in heavenly places. Holy fear brings sobriety and spiritual awakening.

Meanwhile, the god of Islam is a cold and unapproachable figure who holds in his hand the destinies of his slaves as they attempt to please him. He is “known” only by the rules he gives and the various titles he demands to be called by. There is no encounter, relationship, kindness, or tenderness to be experienced with Allah.

The Islamic perception of forgiveness is shallow because there is no desire for repentance. They try to outnumber their bad deeds with good ones. Confessing sins is not from a contrite heart but from dreading the consequences. The holy fear that God calls for is much more fruitful, for it is when we are struck by the depth of our depravity that God can reach down and pull us into the heights of His love and mercy.

Prayer

God, I pray that Muslims worldwide would behold God's awesome wonder and know what it is to experience holy fear. Would You show them the fountain of life available to those who fear You? Please help them understand this truth so they may sing Your praises.