Extremes

On Sunday, Brad talked again about fearing God. I know through talking with Brad and hearing him that "fear God” has become the focal point of Ecclesiastes for him. I have been thinking about his idea quite a bit. At the very least, I think it is FANTASTIC for us to reframe, rethink, or think anew about the idea of “fearing God.” Caught in the correct light, fearing God is beautiful and conjures up images from Exodus where the GLORY of the LORD shone brightly and the LORD shielded Moses’ face so that he would not die. The fear here is about the POWER of the LORD, not the terror. His power is associated with reverence. I once told this story to a group of middle school students at Camp Rockslide. At the end of camp, during sharing night, many students' main point of the week was: “I learned that if you look at God you will die!” 
 
When we look to heaven, when we try to read about it, we are not told a whole lot about it. John 14 talks about a room being prepared for us. The Revelation of John talks about worshipping the LORD constantly. Holy, holy, holy is the LORD almighty. All day long. My human mind has trouble grasping this. My human mind immediately goes to boredom. I believe what the writer is referring to is the fact that when we are in the presence of the LORD’s Shakina glory – our only POSSIBLE response will be to PHYSICALLY bow down and worship Him. This captures that fear for me – nothing to be afraid of – but a fear that feels like the safest place to be on earth or in heaven.
 
What I think Brad is getting at is not to live in the extremes here on earth. Live a balanced life. When I think of worshipping the LORD in heaven – I get this idea of EXTREME worship. I think both ends of the spectrum are good for us to rest in. Both are true! To God alone be praise!
 
Kyle Jackson serves in Pastoral Care

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