Today’s Encouragement is, “Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'” Matthew 4:10 NLT
You Must Worship –
Jesus countered each of Satan’s temptations with scripture. He knew the Truth of God’s Word. He quoted from Deuteronomy 6:13 “You must fear the LORD your God and serve him.”
Did you catch that? When Jesus quoted the scripture, He changed the word ‘fear’ to ‘worship’! The two are similar in the biblical context, not so much in our ordinary English usage, which didn’t even exist when Jesus lived!
The biblical fear of God describes the amazement, awe, respect, recognition of greatness, holiness, perfection, grandeur, power, and much, much more. Imagine being brought into the presence of the King, the greatest, most powerful person in the world (pick your favorite). You would be greatly humbled to say the least! Next, consider that all the evil you have done in your life is known; every word, act, and thought is openly revealed in His presence. Fear is a very appropriate response!
But stay with me, that fear is because we don’t know what is going to happen to us! This king is in complete control of our lives!
But suddenly, Jesus steps in between us and says, “I’ve paid for everything this one has ever done. I’ll take the responsibility!” And the King accepts! And our response is transformed from fear to elation, from dread to intense gratitude. We fall face down and cry tears of joy, relief, and thankfulness! And so, we begin to Worship The King!
Fear of God is inevitable without Jesus. But with Jesus, our response is grateful Worship!
Thank You, Father, for Jesus! He has transformed our fear into worship!
Homesick For Heaven
Phil Wickham
Today’s Encouragement 