1 Samuel 12:24
Only Fear the Lord
The Command to Fear the Lord
In 1 Samuel 12:24, we find a powerful command from the prophet Samuel to the people of Israel:
"Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you." (ESV)
In this verse, Samuel emphasizes the importance of fearing the Lord and serving Him with a whole heart. This command is not a suggestion, but a requirement for a right relationship with God.
The Reason for Fear
So, why should we fear the Lord? The reason lies in the great things God has done for us. Samuel reminds the people of Israel of God's mighty deeds in their history, such as delivering them from slavery in Egypt and bringing them to the Promised Land.
In the same way, we should fear the Lord because of His great works in our lives. God has given us life, salvation, and countless blessings. He has shown us love, mercy, and grace. Therefore, we should respond with reverence, obedience, and gratitude.
The Blessing of Fear
Fearing the Lord is not a negative emotion, but a positive response to God's goodness. When we fear the Lord, we acknowledge His power, wisdom, and love. This fear leads to a deeper trust, obedience, and worship.
As the Psalmist writes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10, ESV). When we fear the Lord, we gain wisdom, guidance, and protection. We become more mindful of our actions and words, and we strive to live a life that honors God.
Conclusion
In 1 Samuel 12:24, Samuel reminds us that fearing the Lord is the foundation of a right relationship with God. We should fear the Lord because of His great works in our lives and respond with a whole heart. May we cultivate a deeper fear of the Lord, leading to a life of obedience, wisdom, and worship.
