Fear of the Lord
The sermon series through Malachi has reminded us that to worship God rightly – complacency won’t cut it. What helps shift us from our desire for comfort and complacency into wholehearted delight and worship? One big factor is what we believe about the call to fear the Lord. Here are 3 resources that I have found abundantly helpful – if you’re afraid of being fearful – these may just change your mind and heart… in a good way!
1. “What Does it Mean to Fear the Lord” by Michael Reeves
Another in the condensed Union series, it packs in the high points of Michael Reeve’s longer book, Rejoice and Tremble. He helpfully clarifies some misconceptions about fear, but also practically speaks about how we as God’s people can rightly foster an increased awe, love and delight in God.
2. “Rejoice and Tremble” by Michael Reeves
In the full edition, Reeves seeks to recapture our hearts and minds to the ‘surprising Good News of the fear of the Lord’. Reeves writes as someone aware of the cultural norms we are living in regarding anxieties on one hand, and idols of comfort in the other and speaks into how those trends have distorted our understanding of the fear of the Lord. It is definitely worth a read, and encourage someone else to read it so you can keep the conversation going!
3. Fearing God Seminar by Michael Reeves (25 Minutes)
In this short video, Michael Reeves conversationally applies what he has learned about the fear of the Lord to our current culture and fears. It’s easy to listen to – but don’t tune out as you're lulled by the accent - it’s full of pearls of wisdom! It may be a ‘taste and see’ that leads you to then read his book!