Contemplative Bible Reading

Job 37:23-24 (New Living Translation)

23 We cannot imagine the power of the Almighty;
but even though he is just and righteous,
he does not destroy us.
24 No wonder people everywhere fear him.
All who are wise show him reverence.”

People everywhere fear God. Those select few who are wise revere God. Why do the masses fear God?

God is just and righteous.

Let’s wait a moment now and consider this. God is just and righteous. Wow! That is great, right? Everyone should love God for this justice and righteousness. This verse, however, tells us the opposite—everyone fears God because of that.

Sigh. Back to us and our failings. We are rarely just and righteous. We fear the Creator who is one way, but we are something else. The Creator will discipline us until we become like Him, right? Huh? Maybe. Who knows?

Fear. We fear God because we fail to be like God, and we know we fail. Sometimes the fear leads us to deny God exists. If the just and righteous God does not exist, I have nothing and no one to fear. Well, that’s safe.

Well, that’s just plain childish. We know God is there. We know God is always just and righteous. God allows us to choose our reaction. We can worship or we can fear or deny.

Please God, help me to adore and worship you.