Fearfully-Made Hawk

Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”  Isaiah 6:5

Yesterday, my family and I were fortunate enough to witness a magnificent hawk perched on a shepherd’s hook in our yard. This bird was far more than a common sparrow or hummingbird; it was a sight to behold. We couldn’t resist rushing to the window, pausing everything to admire this extraordinary creature. He was only a few feet away, and it was a moment of awe and reverence as we stood and gazed upon this colossal, beautiful bird. If we can appreciate nature, shouldn’t we also look upon the Creator who brought it into existence?

Isaiah, a prophet, witnessed God in His temple, surrounded by angels singing “Holy, Holy, Holy”. Isaiah’s fear and reverence were profound. I can’t help but wonder if the 20th-century church has become too casual with God. I wonder if He would reveal Himself more in our church services if we were awestruck by Who He is? If an earthly king entered our church, we would hold him in high regard and be respectful to a mere man. But what about God Almighty?

Another way I look at the fear of the Lord is in these examples:  I respect fire enough to avoid putting my finger in the flame, yet I love its warmth. As I grew up, I learned to be respectful to my father, yet I loved cuddling with him. On the other hand, am I too afraid to walk in the woods because I might see a bear, or too scared to cross the street because I might be struck by a car?  Do you have a healthy fear and reverence of the Lord?  Sometimes I wonder if we are too flippant with the God of the Universe. Or are we scared of this Loving God?  Our Lord deserves our full attention. Let us pause, be in awe, and offer our reverence to the Lord this Sunday. Perhaps He will reveal Himself to us as we worship together, as He did for Isaiah.  Wouldn't that be magnificent!