The Fear of God

[The_Catholic]

I don’t want to start anything contraversial, but what exactly is the fear of God?

I’ve been thinking alot about this recently, pondering. The Holy Scriptures say that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom, and that God loves those that fear Him.

Today, it seems like so many I come across do not fear Him, think His existence is laughable, and go on committing such horrid sins. (I was one of them one too).

But I do not fear God as a child fears a bully. I fear Him for other reasons. First of all, what is God? A Spirit? Ok, what is a Spirit? Explain it (no please do not, I’m just making a point). When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, and spoke, how is that possible? A fire burning around a plant but not consuming it, and a voice speaking out of it, or at least the direction of the bush, claiming to be the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. In order to “speak” one must be a human, a physical creature, having a voice box. Obviously God does not, so how could He “speak” as we do? I know He is God, and can do anything, of course, but think about it, what does that mean??!!

And when the donkey in I think Judges or Deuteronomy “spoke” to the man beating him, because it wouldn’t move, because it saw the angel in front of it, and so the angel spoke through the donkey as a man. How? A donkey doesn’t have the ability to “speak” like another human, scientifically speaking. Did he just see the donkey’s mouth open and words of speech came out? Or came from the direction of the donkey?

I’m not done yet so PLEASE don’t respond…

 

[The_Catholic]

Think of the Virgin birth, how in the world is that possible? That REALLY makes NO sense at all. And Jesus’ glorified body that St. John saw in Revelation, eyes of fire, shining hair, glowing (if I am remembering correctly). If we could examine this glorified body scientifically, would we discover how the Body does those amazing things? Or would science show nothing at all about it, that it would appear to be a simple human body, but as we look at it it clearly is not! And the apparations of Mother Mary, how only some see her, even when she’s among crowds, why is that?

I know I know, because God can do anything. Yes, of course, but really really think about that. It’s mind boggling. I can picture these things in paintings or drawings, or cartoons, or movies, but as far as seeing them for real, I can’t even imagine it because I have never seen anything like it.

I fear God because I do not, cannot, understand what He is. I fear Him for His Just wrath, realizing He could turn me into a pile of ashes if so desired to, and He would be justified because I am a sinner. I fear Him for His great mercy and love He has for us. How He chose to die for us. And that all of creation is because of His power. It blows me away, He blows me away.

In a sense, God is (scientifically speaking) “illogical,” but also LOGICAL. To think the universe and its abundant complexity just happened is more illogical than God. Einstein even believed in some type of creator as he studied the universe.

In the end I do not want to understand these things, I just accept them gladly, and want to be with Him, my God, our God, forever. Praise be to Him.

 

[T.A.Stobie_SFO]

The Fear of the Lord refers to a loving awe of God.

 

[Coreopisis]

And when the donkey in I think Judges or Deuteronomy “spoke” to the man beating him, because it wouldn’t move, because it saw the angel in front of it, and so the angel spoke through the donkey as a man. How? A donkey doesn’t have the ability to “speak” like another human, scientifically speaking. Did he just see the donkey’s mouth open and words of speech came out? Or came from the direction of the donkey?

I am sorry but that you are hilarious. This part made me laugh.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The Catholic

You’ve asked a lot of questions, but what I see is that you’re reading scripture literally. In other words, with your own intepretation.

The Bible must be understood in the historical and theological context from which iit is written.

So, in the case of the donkey, the angel speaks through the donkey. But this does not necessarily mean in the vocal sense of being equivalent to a human to human conversation. Conversations between the divine and humans is often within. How the angel spoke through the donkey, we can’t exactly be sure of.

The Conception of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is a mystery of our faith. Was Mary a virgin? Did she remain a virgin? yes.

If you’re looking for faith, you must go to the source of faith, Jesus Christ.

If you’re looking for rational explanation of Scripture? Without faith, it won’t be possible.

Jim

 

[Godlovestrength]

When I firstly read the book of Wisdom and read "fear of God is the first signs of wisdom, I couldn’t understand how I could fear a God who is love, which maybe what you are refering to.

The answer came in the form of a friend asking me that as i went down town from work would I change a check for him. As soon as he asked me a thought came onto my mind. I was not to do it and I was to tell myfriend that Jesus wanted him to follow Jesus, well that thought was strange.
Fear filled me I thought he would hit me should I tell him this, anyway where did it come from. I got into the truck and left for town but the thought of telling him was too strong. I had to tell him, so I turned back . I did tell him and he laughed told me it was allright and that there was no problem.

That was fear of the Lord I guess, I feared God’s repremand should I not do what He told me to do over the fear of being hit my my friend.
You know a short time latter my friend came to the Lord accepted Jesus and the Holy Spirit, told me he never understood me until he gave his heart to God and a few months latter he died happily.

Godbless
Godlovestrength.

 

[The_Catholic]

The Catholic;2881802:

And when the donkey in I think Judges or Deuteronomy “spoke” to the man beating him, because it wouldn’t move, because it saw the angel in front of it, and so the angel spoke through the donkey as a man. How? A donkey doesn’t have the ability to “speak” like another human, scientifically speaking. Did he just see the donkey’s mouth open and words of speech came out? Or came from the direction of the donkey?

I am sorry but that you are hilarious. This part made me laugh.

I guess I never think about how when I read this stuff, but I suppose I would think that it came from the direction of the donkey and so the man thought it must be the donkey. I seriously doubt the donkey’s lips moved and he made human sounds.
Oh but that would be so funny, if that happened to me I would see so much humor in it I couldn’t take the angel seriously. I guess that is why I am thinking it must’ve come from the direction of the donkey

I know, hehe, I figured some would laugh. Oh well.

 

[The_Catholic]

The Catholic

You’ve asked a lot of questions, but what I see is that you’re reading scripture literally. In other words, with your own intepretation.

The Bible must be understood in the historical and theological context from which iit is written.

So, in the case of the donkey, the angel speaks through the donkey. But this does not necessarily mean in the vocal sense of being equivalent to a human to human conversation. Conversations between the divine and humans is often within. How the angel spoke through the donkey, we can’t exactly be sure of.

The Conception of Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, is a mystery of our faith. Was Mary a virgin? Did she remain a virgin? yes.

If you’re looking for faith, you must go to the source of faith, Jesus Christ.

If you’re looking for rational explanation of Scripture? Without faith, it won’t be possible.

Jim

Oh boy, I had a feeling this was going to happen. No, no, no I DO BELIEVE in God, hence-THE CATHOLIC! I was just pondering these mystery’s is all. They can’t be understood “logically” so that makes them amazing to me, makes me fear God all the more. It’s simple to say “oh just believe it, it’s no big deal, God did it and can do anything. Why ponder? Grow up!” I guess I look into things too much then. Thinking about God and what He is, a supreme being, THE surpreme being that we can never understand fully-and I don’t want to, so don’t scold me for that neither

The myster of the donkey, as silly and laughable as you all seem to think that it is, at least laughing at me, is NO different than the Virgin birth. Hold on, let me explain, what I mean by that is it is a mystery, doesn’t corespond how things work in the physical realm. God’s power is mysterious and awesome. Can’t be explained by us.

I think these things are wonderful, also, the problem that unitarians have with the Trinity, which also makes no sense, vanishes if you just accept God for what He says. One God in Three? Um, ok, why not 4 plus 4 = 100 then. Know what I mean? But who are WE to understand God fully. What He says is true. Christ did more than enough to prove He was from God, and the Son of God. Therefore Peter didn’t leave Him for His teaching (which sounded stranger than all) on the Eucharist in John 6. It’s amazing. God is amazing and I accept what He says. I was only pondering these things and it brings me in awe because I cannot understand them even WITH a spiritual miind. But I BELIEVE them. I’m sorry, perhaps I am wrong in this, but it brings the fear of God in me. Knowing He is the Surpreme Being. Praise Him.

But now I feel like I should have never posted this. I feel like for having these thoughts I should be stoned. Oh well.

God bless you.

 

[Dtmccameron]

The Fear of the Lord refers to a loving awe of God.

Bah! It implies a terror! The Lord GOD Almighty is just, and we, His most unworthy slaves, are sinners! Know that His fiery wrath hovers above, know that someday, He will have had enough of our insolence!

How can you not be afraid of the being that made you? Just as your feared angering your father, knowing that by doing so you’ld get a sore bottom, how much more so then should you fear angering the Creator of ALL?!?

If anyone truley feared God, they would never sin, and they would be the wisest person on the earth.

Know that God is ALWAYS watching, and his justice is timely!

 

[JimR-OCDS]

The Catholic

Oh boy, I had a feeling this was going to happen. No, no, no I DO BELIEVE in God, hence-THE CATHOLIC!

Perhaps you should consider taking course in Scripture?

The myster of the donkey, as silly and laughable as you all seem to think that it is, at least laughing at me,

No one is laughing at you, nor did we imply such a thing.

is NO different than the Virgin birth. Hold on, let me explain, what I mean by that is it is a mystery, doesn’t corespond how things work in the physical realm. God’s power is mysterious and awesome. Can’t be explained by us.

Then why did you ask the question if it can’t be explained?

But now I feel like I should have never posted this. I feel like for having these thoughts I should be stoned. Oh well.

I haven’t seen anything posted to your question, that that should make you feel this way.

God Bless
Jim

 

[The_Catholic]

The Catholic

Perhaps you should consider taking course in Scripture?

No one is laughing at you, nor did we imply such a thing.

Then why did you ask the question if it can’t be explained?

I haven’t seen anything posted to your question, that that should make you feel this way.

God Bless
Jim

I’m very sensitive Jim, and your comments sounded ill, sorry if I judged you. And I have taken a course in the Bible. I And I know Church history quite well, and I own a libray of books, and I’ve posted so many times last year in the apologetics area debating with Protestants. These questions I posed, were not really questions, just more ponderings really. I should have worded it better I admit. But you don’t know me, and many of your comments sound hurtful. I know I’m too sensitive but I can’t help it.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I’m very sensitive Jim, and your comments sounded ill, sorry if I judged you. And I have taken a course in the Bible. I And I know Church history quite well, and I own a libray of books, and I’ve posted so many times last year in the apologetics area debating with Protestants. These questions I posed, were not really questions, just more ponderings really. I should have worded it better I admit. But you don’t know me, and many of your comments sound hurtful. I know I’m too sensitive but I can’t help it.

Perhaps you’re carrying too much emotional baggage to tread the waters of academic debate on the internet.

You’re false accusations are harmful in themselves.

Perhaps a break from chatting would be good for you?

Jim

 

[sjegts]

I’m always a little sad when someone is misunderstood and comes under attack. I would hope that in this, of all places, there would be tolerance. We all come from different levels of spirituality and emotional levels. We could all learn from each other without some of the asides. I tend to be over simplistic, maybe, with my observations and also withthe Wrath of God.

The God of the Old Testament was very wrathful. Why should we feel that these times are different? Look at some of the devastation and atrocities that go on around us - do those things occur without Him? He loves us beyond all measure, but there is an accoutability, and we should be fearful. We should approach our God with all the love, devotion, praise and thanksgiving a human can give and strive to be obedient and conform to His will. It is turning our backs totally, I believe, that will incur, rightfully, the wrath of our mighty God.

 

[The_Catholic]

Perhaps you’re carrying too much emotional baggage to tread the waters of academic debate on the internet.

You’re false accusations are harmful in themselves.

Perhaps a break from chatting would be good for you?

Jim

Lol, wow, I’ve never heard anyone speak as you. What false accusations? What have I harmed? If I offended anyone then I am sorry. And while you are a brother in Christ, still, where I come from everything you’ve said to me: “emotion baggage” (lol) “break from chatting” “reading Scripture literally, in other words, with my own interpretaion” “I need to take a course in Scripture” would be considered rude and disrespectful for one who was simply discussing an awe of God. And ESPECIALLY your statement “academic debate.” Academic debate??? What debate!!! YOU obviously cannot see when one is speaking metephorically. I am not trying to debate anything, nothing at all.

Perhaps you should approach another in a Christian manner, instead of an “academically” prideful tone.

I am sorry if I offended. You are a brother in Christ, so I don’t want to do that. I’m sure you are alot smarter than me, so please realize that I am also a brother in Christ, and refrain from speaking with a sharp tone. If you weren’t, I apologize and now there should be no more spiteful comments, if you are real.

God bless you Jim.