(The following is the May 18 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Acts 9 and pay close attention to verse 31.)
After Saul’s Damascus road encounter with Christ, the church was initially wary of him because of his previous persecution of believers. Barnabas, whose name means “Son of Encouragement,” took him to the apostles and explained Saul’s conversion. Saul’s bold speaking in the name of the Lord convinced all of his genuine faith.
Some Jews attempted to kill Saul in light of his conversion. Others sought to persecute believers as Saul had. Still, “the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened” (v. 31). How could the church have peace and grow in strength during such trials? “Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.”
What does “living in the fear of the Lord” mean? It doesn’t mean Christians were cowering, afraid of God harming them. It doesn’t mean they were scared of God as one might fear a powerful, threatening force. It means they had profound respect, awe, and reverence for who God is, and they willingly submitted themselves to him. They recognized his sovereignty and worthiness of worship, so they eagerly and joyfully gave themselves to him in humble obedience. That is a healthy model of living in the fear of the Lord.
Verse 31 also says the people were “encouraged by the Holy Spirit.” Because they had a right relationship with God and the Holy Spirit leading them daily, they were encouraged and knew how to live out their faith. God blessed the church and increased its numbers.
Do you and your church live in the fear of the Lord and experience the encouragement of the Holy Spirit? If we fail at the former, we cannot expect the latter, and we will not see our numbers grow as they should for God’s glory.
Next Step:
Search in a Bible app, concordance, or website for the phrases “fear of the Lord” and “fear God.” Read the related verses. Do you or your church need a healthier dose of such fear?
