Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.”18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”
-Acts 4:13-20

Interesting, John and Peter, who were uneducated in the eyes of the religious leaders, seem to be the only ones who actually care about what God wants. Where did they learn that? The life and example of their Savior, “they had been with Jesus.” These religious leaders appear so self-consumed here that they’ve completely lost sight of why they’re even in power in the first place.

It is possible though, to fall into the same trap as the religious leaders:

• To have power and cling to that power so tightly over the God that gives it
• The desire to please “so-and-so” without considering whether or not God is pleased
• Not being completely honest because of fear of consequences over the fear of God
• Ignorance of what God is actually doing because we want Him to do something else

To follow the same Jesus John and Peter had been with is to stop making idols of people, power, privilege, and perceptions; but instead to worship God freely and boldly.

The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
- Proverbs 19:23

Are you satisfied? I mean, are you truly satisfied?

If you’re thinking about your circumstances or your environment when trying to determine the answer to this question, your answer is probably no.

The source of our fulfillment determines the entire course of our lives. Temporary things that we say, do, or buy cannot lead us to life and happiness. Fearing God doesn’t mean nothing “bad” by our standards will ever happen to us: rather, it means that whatever happens will not shake our trust in and obedience to God. Fearing God places our calling over comfort.

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
-Philippians 2:12-13

Sure, we can be satisfied by drinking a good latte, relaxing with a friend, or hearing our favorite song; but our dependence cannot be on any of those things as they will all be stripped away from us one day.

Does God’s calling satisfy you? Are you living out that calling?

In Christ alone my hope is found,
Tom Fogarty

Fear-of-God is a school in skilled living—
first you learn humility, then you experience glory.

Proverbs 15:33 (MSG)

Humility comes before glory… we can’t even learn from His word unless we humble ourselves. This humility is not something we just learn, but it’s something we must practice continually! Until we’re rooted in humility, we can’t even be on our feet before God (James 4:10).

Get on your knees and let God school you, then you can stand and give Him praise!

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!
Psalm 111:10 (ESV)

This is just crazy to me… thinking about the fact that if we’re not fearing the Lord, we’re only getting stupider! Fear him and acknowledge him in all your ways (Prov 3:6) and you will receive wisdom…

No man is wise who does not fear the Lord; no man acts wisely except as influenced by that fear. This fear will lead to repentance, to faith in Christ, to watchfulness and obedience. Such persons are of a good understanding, however poor, unlearned, or despised.
-Matthew Henry

• Do you fear God as you should?
• What will you do about it?