Notes of Faith September 19, 2025
Majesty
Judah went up to him and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.”
Genesis 44:18, NIV
United States Protocol: The Guide to Official Diplomatic Etiquette is an important book for leaders in Washington—but who can remember all the rules? For example, The Honorable is a courtesy title for high-ranking officials. When addressing an envelope, The Honorable should have a line of its own over the person’s name. There are thousands of such protocols.
Recommended Reading:
Psalm 93
In the Egyptian court of Joseph, Judah didn’t know all the needed protocols, but he was gracious, polite, and humble. If we humans know something about respecting earthly leaders, how much more should we be reverent toward God! He is worthy of utmost honor. When we approach Him in prayer, we should have a sense of His majesty.
Your God is greater than you know, higher than you can see, wiser than you can comprehend, and more powerful than all the suns and stars combined. Let’s reverence His majesty!
We also have lost from Christianity—almost all together—what used to be called “religious fear”…and along with our loss of religious fear has come a corresponding flippancy and familiarity toward God that our fathers never knew.
A. W. Tozer
Prov 1:7
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
Prov 9:10
10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Prov 10:27
27 The fear of the Lord adds length to life,
but the years of the wicked are cut short.
Prov 14:27
27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life,
turning a man from the snares of death.
Prov 15:33
33 The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom,
Prov 16:6
through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.
Prov 19:23
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life:
Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.
Prov 22:4
4 Humility and the fear of the Lord
bring wealth and honor and life.
Prov 23:17
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners,
but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord.
Isa 33:5-6
5 The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with justice and righteousness.
6 He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.
Acts 9:31
31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.
Living in the fear of the Lord is to revere His glory, power, and majesty. We do have a friend in Jesus, as the song says, but He is the eternal God, Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. Know Him. Worship Him. Praise Him. Thank Him. Give all glory to the God of life, and that eternal. All the earth WILL fear the Lord!
Pastor Dale