The Joy of Fear
How blessed is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. Proverbs 28:14 NASB
Fears always – It is quite popular to encourage believers with the thought that we do not need to be afraid. We are often reminded that Scripture tells us, “Do not fear” more than 300 times. Since human life is fragile, such encouragement is needed. But there is a danger lurking in the background of this sort of exhortation; a danger we dare not forget.
When Solomon penned the words mippahed tamid (“who fears continually”), he didn’t make a mistake. Nor did he add, as we sometimes find in translation, the words “the Lord.” The NASB is correct. This verse is about the man who fears always, not the man who fears the Lord always. The reason that the verse is qualified (with “the Lord”) is because of the parallel in Proverbs 23:17 and the need to somehow suppress the idea that fear is an essential ingredient of believing.
Moses Luzzatto cites this verse in his discussion of the necessity of fear, but he does not mean trepidation in the face of an enemy. He means that a true follower of YHWH will recognize just how far he is from holiness and just how stringent the requirement for holiness actually is. He will confront his failure and realize that YHWH judges every action no matter how seemingly inconsequential. He will tremble at the thought of standing before the Judgment Seat of the Most High God while his sins and failures are inspected. This will drive a true believer to utter despair. He will not dismiss his true state with a swipe from the forgiveness brush nor will he discount the enormous price paid on his behalf. He will acknowledge that sin is very serious business.
But this is only obvious. Luzzatto mines the verse for something deeper. Fear like this awakens a man to his proclivity toward excuse, rationalization and dismissal. Therefore, fear like this focuses attention on the need for stringent watchfulness. For Luzzatto, this means training ourselves to anticipate the possible and probable consequences of an act before we take steps to perform it, and once evaluated, avoiding any action that would in the slightest regard jeopardize our standing before the Holy One of Israel. Because this fear motivates us toward righteousness, it is a blessing, not a curse! Solomon can shout, “Blessed is the man who fears always,” for this fear is a sign that the man is entering into a state of full awareness of his condition before YHWH. This fear results in joy!
Luzzatto goes on to demonstrate that the ultimate means of achieving happiness within the framework of Hebraic thought is the unfettered worry and concern for another. In other words, loving my neighbor as myself is the vehicle that brings happiness to me! Furthermore, by acting on behalf of my neighbor, I convert this exquisitely essential fear into an act of worship since I fulfill the mitzvot that is near to God’s own heart. So I ask you, “Are you afraid?”
Topical Index: Moses Luzzatto, fear, Proverbs 28:14, always, pahad, tamid
I have been increasingly “afraid”.
Only most of the time I’ve used the word ‘desperate’ to explain it. Many in my family are big believers that we should all be “assured of our salvation” — so it’s difficult to explain how I feel so desperate for transformation, how I’m re-thinking so many things I thought I knew — but that I feel more hopeful, more transformed, and more excited than ever before.
I don’t know if it makes sense. But on the outside it might look like I’m going through some sort of negative spiritual crisis — but it’s the greatest crisis I’ve ever experienced. I’ve realized that there is less grey area than I thought there was — and while the clarity is sooooo scary — it’s better than religious fog. I’m so sick of the powerless ‘forms of godliness’.
People have come into my life who are miserable and desperate, and I’m not helping them because I’m dealing with my own crap. I’m sick of being a barbarian. I’m sick of stepping on toes. I’m sick of burying the talent that God gave me. I’m tired of being a bad example for my children.
Oh God! Mercy on me a sinner!!
THAT FEAR has come from HIS HEART to my heart too. I have to continually put myself in HIS CARE concerning it Gabe. There is a fear of GOD that NEEDS to be in our heart but not to overtake us that we begin to be frightened of our FATHER. There is a unique balance that I am at this time not quite sure of.. but respect and honor is a growing trait in those who continue to follow on in knowing HIM who is OUR LIFE.
Exactly Carol, it is a fear — but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It’s an addicting glimpse into the Truth of our condition.
I suppose a big difference between this, and simple guilt, is that it’s a strengthening force, a disciplining process — it’s not like debilitating fears which typically cause me to withdraw and avoid.
BTW, thanks for sharing – it’s helpful for me to try and articulate this kind of stuff.
“we should all be “assured of our salvation””
Hi Gabe,
I guess my first question would be where does the “should” come from?
And what would it mean to feel “saved?”
Unless you were “drowning” and somebody “saved” you
It seems to me that we either feel safe or we don’t feel safe
I don’t think we feel safe if we are worried about ourselves
Or worried about others, eg family or “neighbors”
If we don’t feel safe
Then we can try to focus on the presence of God
And sometimes we can overcome our fear
I think we can also overcome our fear by trying to help others
But I think the “bottom line” is that we are always free
And somewhat inclined to do something incredibly stupid
So we have not been saved and there is some reason to fear
It is not safe
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dG5Qk-jB0D4
Yes Michael, it just tends to be a difficult thing to communicate.
For my evangelical/non-denominational/four-square family members – it’s bad enough if I reference Torah in terms that are ‘too applicable’ and non-spiritualized — but then to add on any kind of sense of impetus or desperation for reform — it seems impossible for them to interpret in any way but having fallen into legalism and hence, my desperation/fear is then proof that I have fallen away from dependence on God’s grace.
They have not, as yet, staged any sort intervention for me — but I know how it would have seemed to me, and a comment here and there show me how they are tending to interpret things this way. I’m hoping for preventative approaches, since we are used to speaking about our ‘walks with Christ’ as a family, and I don’t want to form a larger schist if it need not be.
“it just tends to be a difficult thing to communicate”
Hi Gabe,
I agree these things are difficult to communicate, but my parents were different
In that they gave me pretty much total freedom in terms of religious beliefs
One of my closest friends who is like a brother to me was married in an ashram
He wore a turban and lived in a Sikh ashram for about ten years with his wife
Our fathers and their friends were WW2 football playing vaguely Protestant types so
I was amazed that they all drove down to San Diego from San Bernardino for the wedding
With all due respect I don’t think I could tolerate living in your situation
It sounds too repressive for me 🙂
So I ask you, “Are you afraid?”
Not nearly enough!
Excellent answer Pam!! (amen!) for according to our Bible: ~ the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom~
Believe Like a Demon
(huhh?)
Do you believe in God? You know.., God “exists” and all. Yeah, yawn*.. I believe in God and will do my duty to go to church today and “tip my hat”- might even through in a few coins to help keep the lights on and the a/c going. We’ll sing a few songs, listen to a sermonette, drink some coffee,- might have a donut, then go home to watch the game this afternoon- where “real worship” (my delight) happens. “Go team!” Might even go sit in the blowing wind and snow to engage my services in encouraging my team to victory.
Do you believe in God? Good. Congratulations! – your faith is equivalent to that of a demon. But, you know what? The demons are one up on us. For not only do they believe,- they tremble. (James 2.19) Gotta ask though, -“why?” What would make a demon tremble, and why am I not trembling, if I also believe?
There are, (not a doubt..) levels and layers, heights and depths of faith (and of love!) Faith is like an ocean universe with depths yet unknown and unexplored, but as our Bible instructs, – it is faith that pleases God. But do we have the faith of a demon? Have we ever trembled (as they do) in the Presence of Jehovah? (YHWH if you’re Jewish)
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my LORD was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
on Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
at Calvary.
By God’s Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I’d spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned to Calvary.
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
at Calvary.
Now I’ve given to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing of Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
at Calvary.
Oh, the Love that drew salvation’s plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
at Calvary!
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty
at Calvary.
Trembling? When we come into the realization, recognition and revelation of Who it was that died on the tslav, the execution stake, the cross of Calvary and why He died, – then, we too will tremble. There was a price that was paid for my salvation and that price was the blood of Calvary’s Passover Lamb. The perfect, propitiating, sin-cleansing, sin atoning, sin forgiving, sin conquering, blood of the Lamb of God who died in my place and took upon Himself my hell, my punishment, and paid my sin-debt in full- this, this, is why I tremble.
When we know Calvary’s Love, and how God SO LOVED, God SO LOVED the world- He gave us the ultimate Sacrifice in the gift of His Son and in the further gift of His Self- (for Calvary was the day God died). What nailed Him to the Tree? It wasn’t the nails that held Him there! It was my sin that held Him there..- until it was “accomplished.” Paid in full. “Mission accomplished.” Thank you Sir.
We did this. Every one of us are guilty for every one of us were there, yelling and screaming- pleading, cursing, begging for Him, God the Son to be crucified. Where you there, when they crucified my LORD? I was. That Man died for me, and this man, this beggar, this thief, this sinner is forever grateful. And this man, this thief, this blind beggar,this errant son will say on that day when the question is posed: “Why should I let you into my heaven?” I will lift my trembling finger and point to the nail-scarred hands of the carpenter’s son and say on that Day the very same thing I rejoice in today, my only hope, my confident assurance is – “Jesus, paid it all”- and all to Him I owe, sin had left a crimson stain- He washed it white as snow.
Friends, of every stripe and color, and region and race- there is a Savior. A Savior to Israel, and a Savior to the nations. ~ to the Jew first, and also to the Greek ~ The Bread of Life Who was born in Bethlehem, the city of bread; Him whose body was broken for you and for me. This is why I tremble. This is why I fear. That Man, the God/Man died for me.
I wounded Him. His response? He healed me. My words? “let Him be crucified.” -His blood be upon us and upon our children. His response? I forgive, and tHis blood, the blood of the Pascal Lamb is for you and for the healing of the nations.
There is, nor ever will be..- a greater love than this, that a Man would lay down His life for His friends, and friend, Jesus was and ever will be- a friend of sinners. I am so grateful for this, for I (too) have sinned and am no longer worthy to be called the Father’s son. This is my confession- I (too) am a sinner. I am not perfect. I have transgressed God’s perfect Law- all of them,- (though all it takes to “qualify” as a sinner is to be disobedient only once!) and ‘perfection’ is required for entrance into God’s kingdom!
Perfection? What must I do to be saved? Here is the “gospel” good news. Salvation/deliverance is not “do”- it is “done.” Salvation/deliverance is a done deal. “Paid in full.” Jesus paid it all,- all to Him I owe. It is the blood of Jesus (who is the) Christ, (only) that cleanses from all sin. What can wash away my sin? or your sin? or any man’s sin?- None of us, – no, not one, will settle the “sin” question until we settle the “Son” question.. – Who was this Man? Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Yes. He is..- and more! So “much more!!”
~How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the LORD, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him? ~ “So great” salvation.. we don’t know the half of it!! So, so, so ignorant. Foolish, wandering, erring, disobedient, clueless sheep. – all of us. ~ All we like sheep have gone astray..~ Are any exempt? None. No, not one.. “sinners” – all. Oh, we need a Savior!! Who shall deliver us? Who shall deliver us from evil? What is His Name and what is His Son’s Name if you can tell?
Is there a Name which is above every Name? What do the scriptures say? (oh, how this needs to be tatooed on our brain!) Listen.. Listen again for the first time and this time, “tremble.” ~ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved ~ (Acts 4.12) Oh how I love the Name of Jesus! Oh how I love tHis Name so sweet!! No other Name means more..-to me.
~ Thy Name is as ointment poured forth ~ (Song of Solomon 1:3)
There have been names that I have loved to hear,
But never has there been a Name so dear
To this heart of mine, as the Name divine,
The precious, precious Name of Jesus.
Jesus is the sweetest Name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely Name,
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest name I know.
There is no Name in earth or Heav’n above,
That we should give such honor and such love
As tHis blessed Name, let us all acclaim,
That wondrous, glorious Name of Jesus.
Jesus is the sweetest Name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely Name,
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest Name I know.
And some day I shall see Him face to face
To thank and praise Him for His wondrous grace,
Which He gave to me, when He made me free,
The blessed Son of God called Jesus.
Jesus is the sweetest name I know,
And He’s just the same as His lovely Name,
And that’s the reason why I love Him so;
Oh, Jesus is the sweetest Name I know.
~ And she shall bring forth a Son, and she shall call his Name Yeshua, (He Saves) for He shall sózó/save/deliver/rescue His people from their sins ~ (Matthew 1.21)
Thank you, Carl.