DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH - Learning to Fear Jehovah

Unlike the instinctive awe we feel when confronted by the power and majesty of nature, fear of God does not c0me  automatically.  That is why the Greater David, Jesus Christ, prophetically extends to us the invitation:  "Come, you sons, listen to me, the fear of Jehovah is what I shall teach you." (Psalm 34:11) How can we learn from Jesus to fear Jehovah?

Jesus teaches us to fear Jehovah by helping us to understand the wonderful personality of our heavenly Father.  (John 1:18) Jesus' own example reveals hos God thinks and how he deals with others, for Jesus reflects his Father's personality perfectly.  (John 14:9, 10)  Furthermore, through Jesus' sacrifice, we gain access to Jehovah when we pray fro forgiveness of our sins.  This outstanding expression of God's mercy is in itself a powerful reason to fear him.  The psalmist wrote:  "There is the true forgiveness with you, in order that you may be feared." -Psalm 130:4.

The book of Proverbs outlines a series of steps that enable us to develop godly fear.  "My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up  my own commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment itself, . . . in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God."  (Proverbs 2:1-5) To fear God, therefore, we must study his Word, earnestly endeavor to understand its instruction, and then pay careful attention to its counsel.

Every king of ancient Israel was instructed to make a copy of the Law and 'read it in all the days of his life, in order that he might learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the words of the law.'  (Deuteronomy 17:18, 19) Bible reading and study are just as vital for us if we would learn to fear Jehovah. As we apply Bible principles in our life, we gradually acquire divine wisdom and knowledge.  We come to  "understand the fear of Jehovah" because we see the good results it produces in our life, and we treasure our relationship with God.  Furthermore, by congregating regularly with fellow believers, bot young and old can listen to divine teaching, learn to fear God, and walk in his ways. -Deuteronomy  31:12.  

Next time: DEVELOP YOUR HEART TO FEAR JEHOVAH - Happy Is Everyone Fearing Jehovah

The Watchtower, 2001