We Must Fear The Lord

Two explorers were on a jungle safari when suddenly a lion jumped in front of them. “Keep calm” the first explorer whispered. “Remember what we read in that book on wild animals? If you stand perfectly still and look the lion in the eye, he will turn and run. … More

Fear

God told Jeremiah that his words would be like a fire (v. 14) that would consume the people. He would bring judgment (Babylon) against Judah. This was a nation whose language they did not know (v. 15). The difference of language would make it more difficult to achieve peace. These soldiers would devour the crops, herds and children of the Judeans (v. 16). They would also destroy the fortified cities which Judah trusted for protection (v. 17) but He would preserve a remnant (v. 18). He warns the people of the coming judgment, even as they were serving foreign gods in their own land (v. 19).

The prophet is now sent to them on another errand, which is to persuade them to fear God (vv. 20-21). He suggests some of the things that produce a holy fear (awesome respect) for God.

  1. We must fear the Lord and His greatness (v. 22). Nature, as it is revealed in the waves and sands of the sea, gives incontestable proof of His power and sovereign dominion. This shows how much we must depend on His mercy, even when others turn away (v. 23).
  2. We must fear the Lord and His goodness (v. 24). He is continually doing us good as He gives us both the former and latter rain; the former a little after seed time and the latter a little before harvest, and both in their season.

Jeremiah explains how their sins have withheld good things from them (vv. 25-29). Even the priests and the prophets have become corrupt and self-serving (vv. 30-31). It is appalling and horrifying that the priests and prophets would pervert the message of God and that the people would “love to have it so.” Even Jeremiah’s chilling words, “What will you do in the end (v. 31)?” didn’t shake them.

Application

The only thing I need to fear is the Lord and have a holy reverence for Him and His Word.

Jeremiah 5:14-31 (English Standard Version)


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