The call to fear and glorify God is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the reverence, awe, and honor due to the Creator. This call is not merely an emotional response but a profound acknowledgment of God's holiness, sovereignty, and majesty. The fear of the Lord is foundational to wisdom and understanding, as it aligns the believer's heart with God's will and purposes.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of fearing God is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Proverbs 9:10, it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse underscores the idea that true wisdom begins with a proper reverence for God. The fear of the Lord is not about terror but about a deep respect and awe for His power and righteousness.

In Deuteronomy 10:12, Moses instructs the Israelites, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul." Here, fearing God is linked with loving and serving Him wholeheartedly, indicating that reverence for God is expressed through obedience and devotion.

The Psalms frequently echo this theme. Psalm 33:8 declares, "Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him." This call extends beyond Israel to all nations, highlighting the universal nature of God's majesty and the appropriate response of fear and reverence.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the call to fear and glorify God, often in the context of the revelation of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 10:28, Jesus teaches, "Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." This passage emphasizes the importance of fearing God above all else, recognizing His ultimate authority over life and death.

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 7:1, exhorts believers, "Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Here, the fear of God is connected with the pursuit of holiness, suggesting that reverence for God motivates moral and spiritual purity.

The Book of Revelation also highlights the call to glorify God. In Revelation 14:7, an angel proclaims, "Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship Him who made the heavens and the earth, the sea and the springs of water." This call to fear and glorify God is set against the backdrop of divine judgment, urging all creation to recognize God's sovereignty and respond in worship.

Practical Implications

The call to fear and glorify God has practical implications for the believer's life. It involves a recognition of God's holiness and a commitment to live in a manner that honors Him. This includes obedience to His commandments, a lifestyle of worship, and a heart that seeks to reflect His character.

In Ecclesiastes 12:13, the conclusion of the matter is stated: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind." This encapsulates the essence of the call to fear and glorify God, presenting it as the fundamental duty and purpose of human existence.

The fear of the Lord is also a source of comfort and security. Psalm 34:7 assures, "The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them." This promise highlights the protective and providential care that God extends to those who revere Him.

Ultimately, the call to fear and glorify God is an invitation to enter into a relationship with the Almighty, characterized by reverence, worship, and obedience. It is a call to recognize His greatness and to live in a way that reflects His glory to the world.