Acts 9
In Acts 9, we learn that Saul (remember him, he was there when they stoned Stephen) was eager to imprison and punish any disciples of the Lord Jesus. He went on his way to Damascus, where he was to bring the disciples back and punish them. But a light from heaven fell on him, and he fell on his knees. The Light of the World blinded him for 3 days. Then, after being healed and receiving the Holy Spirit, he went on preaching. Now the church is growing in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria.
‘The church then had peace throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and it became stronger as the believers lived in the fear of the Lord. And with the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it also grew in numbers. ‘
The church became stronger as believers lived in the fear of the Lord. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say that “fear” of the Lord means you’re just supposed to respect and show reverence.
The Greek word for fear used here is “phobos”. It’s where we get the word “phobia”. You know, like arachnophobia, nobody with that arachnophobia is in awe of spiders. A person doesn’t tremble in respect. They tremble because they are scared.
‘It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ‘
When Paul saw the Light of the World, his face was in the dirt. Throughout the Bible, when people encounter God’s glory or an angel, they will tremble and put their faces in the dirt. We hear it all the time, “Jesus Saves”, saves from what, a slap on the wrist? No, from the wrath of the Living God. We should have fear, reverence, respect, and awe, but we can’t diminish what Christ’s perfect sacrifice does for us. The pierced hands that will judge us also offer grace and mercy for those who know him.