“Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.” Acts 9:31 (NKJV) The church of the 21st century has certainly changed from the days of its early origin shortly after Pentecost and into the postmodern era in which we now live. The passage of time in and of itself has the unique ability to change most things around us in some way, shape, or form. Nonetheless, perhaps there are some things that should never change regardless of the time in which we live. Consistency in our walk with God is extremely important in providing the strength and power to maintain our effectiveness within the context of a world that we have been called to influence. It is essential that some things remain the same as they were from the days of old, especially those that impact our relationship with God to ensure that they do not come up noticeably missing. The early growth and development of the church was fueled by many unique characteristics that caused it to multiply and the name of the Lord to be glorified. Our devotional text gives us just one of those instances where the church began to prosper. First of all, the churches in this particular region “had peace and were edified.” There was rest in the conflict between Christians and Jews and the church was strengthen and built up together for the cause of Jesus Christ. However in the midst of peace and edification the church was also found “walking in the fear of the Lord.” What a powerful statement, and one that is not often true within the context of the society in which we live today. Perhaps this is one of those characteristics that has changed within the landscape of our Christian experience today. Maybe, just maybe, it is the missing ingredient that will determine the passivity or power of the church as we know it today. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 1:7a (NKJV) The fear of the Lord is expressed in many ways throughout the word of God. It is not the terror of a tyrant, but the kind of awe, respect, and reverence of God that will ultimately lead to obedience and accountability in our relationship with Him. Perhaps it is the one ingredient that set the first century church apart from the church of the 21st century. “Then great fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.” Acts 2:43 (NKJV) We say we love God, worship God, adore God, praise God; but do we really fear God? The early church “walked” in the fear of the Lord. Not only did they walk in the fear of the Lord, but they lived and conducted themselves in the same manner. They did not live as though God was looking upon them to strike them at the first sign of a misstep or folly. No, they reverenced a God who they understood could punish but also pardon and as a result they became a church of purity and power. The church does not instill much fear today and as a result we have perhaps compromised the one ingredient necessary for a great move of God and subsequent revival. “So great fear came upon the church and all who heard these things.” Acts 5:11 (NKJV)
Posted on: Sat, 18 Oct 2014 11:49:56 +0000
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