Healthy fear

May 7, 2021 (Friday)

 

Peter is a student. He is learning just like us. Let’s revisit Peter’s encounter with his terrible theology and the Holy Spirit. “Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism.” [Acts 10:34 NLT] If we were reading it in the Greek, it would give the idea that Peter eagerly seized this truth!

 

What does it mean that God does not show favoritism? I am so glad you asked! Peter continues, “but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” [Acts 10:35 ESV] Wait, haven’t I been critical of fear? Yes, very much so…

 

Trouble is there is fear that is good. For instance, most of us do not think about it, but when we get in a two thousand pound vehicle and hurl ourselves at 70 miles per hour down the road it is truly a terrifying thing. Yet there is a point where four small patches of rubber will not keep us on the road. In the back of our minds, that is a healthy fear.

 

Remember Proverbs 9:10, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” [NLT] And again, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” [Proverbs 1:7 NLT] Healthy fear is productive and points us the right direction.

 

Peter goes on to emphasize the point, “This is the message of peace he sent to the Israelites by proclaiming the good news through Jesus Christ: He is Lord of all!” [Acts 10:36 CEB] Here is peace, through healthy fear. The good news we have is Jesus Christ is Lord of all! I’d better hear some shouting and praising over this one.

 

Our hope is not in a political figure or party. Our hope is not in a country. Our hope is not in a bank account. Our hope is in Jesus who is “Lord of all.”

 

Peter gives his listeners and us the reason for the work, “He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” [Acts 10:42] Jesus commanded them to preach. Jesus commands us to preach. That simply means tell people who Jesus is and what He has done for you.

 

And yet Peter flopped and flipped like a beached fish in is newly eagerly seized truth when the intimidating theologians showed up (see Galatians 2:12 – 13). If we can’t follow Jesus under stress, how are we going to follow Him out of the grave?