Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. Malachi 3:16

THE TAKEAWAY:

Fear of God is acknowledging that God is omnipotent, prestigious, and authoritative, but also very personal

MESSAGE:

Marvel is often associated with quippy, comedic lines straight out of cartoons. In Agents of SHIELD, the classic trope “He’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?” plays out as Agent Ward is talking about a former asset who was a dangerous, homicidal maniac. Much to the audience’s chagrin, the homicidal maniac is standing right behind him as Agent Ward’s face turns to dread, asking, “He’s standing behind me, isn’t he?” Marvel did not invent this trope, as it has been used in Greek plays, Boy Meets World, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, 7th Heaven, The Batman, Doc McStuffins, Doug, Futurama, and Fairly Odd Parents (among many others). The punchline suggests that a character has legit fears of someone, but they choose to talk dirt about them anyway.

With all the flak fear gets in society, we often forget how much it helps us out on a daily basis. Why don’t you empty your bank account on a single purchase? Because you are afraid of being poor. Why don’t you dive into an empty pool? Because your body knows the pain that would ensue. Why aren’t you going to march right up to the mayor and tackle him/her? Because the consequences are feared. Fear has kept you alive, and you haven’t once thanked it.

But when the Bible talks about the Fear of God, it isn’t necessarily talking about a big, strong, omnipotent brute who will punch you for disrespect. Sometimes it is explained like being handed a rare and priceless Renaissance painting. You do not want to leave it lying around in your room on a pile of books, because you know how much it costs. You do not want to color over it because you know how masterful the craftsmanship is. You are aware that it is the most expensive thing you will ever touch, and thus you treat it with respect and honor. But at the same time, you know there are dire consequences for breaking it.

When we fear God, we don’t cower away from him like escaping a monster, but we also don’t leave him behind a glass display. God has privileges, rights, and authority that earn him respect. But Jesus taught us to value his Father role above everything else. We can ask God for anything, bring up any topic, and voice any concern without fear of punishment. When we look at the Lord’s Prayer, we find a mix of relationship building and fear. When both are applied the best relationship can be had.

FIGURE IT OUT:

9 Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven,
May your name be kept holy.
10 May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today the food we need,
12 and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
13 And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13

  1. Circle some keywords or phrases that are significant to you. What makes them important?
  2. This is the most quoted prayer in the world. How does it show fear toward God (honor and respect)?
  3. How does this prayer show a personal relationship with God?
  4. Which one do you need to work on more: respecting God’s power/office or getting closer to God as a loving Father

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