Deuteronomy 5: Keeping God at a Distance
ONE OF THE most memorable passages for me in C. S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia comes in the first book, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. When Peter, Susan and Lucy first hear about Aslan, the lion Lord of Narnia, they experience a thrill of fear. One of the children asks if Aslan's "safe." The answer is "No, he's not safe, but he's good."
With those words Lewis captures the heart of the passage you are about to read. As God reveals his glory at Mt. Sinai, his voice thunders the Ten Commandments, and the top of the mountain is ablaze with fire. The response of the people, appropriately, is fear. But God is interested in creating a special kind of fear, a fear that is afraid of evil and disobedience and is respectfully desirous of doing good. The writer of Proverbs summarizes it this way, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge" (1:7).
Warming Up to God
Approaching God creates a variety of heart responses. Often we experience a sense of gratitude. And, frequently, we should have a sense of awe and respect. Pause now to consider the expanse of the galaxies and the brutality of Christ's cross. Write down any responses you have.
Read Deuteronomy 5. »
Discovering the Word
- What positive and negative aspects of fear run through these verses?
- Note the response of the people in verses 23-27. Why do you think the experience of receiving the law produced such fear?
- In response to the law, what role is Moses given by the people (vv. 24-27)?
- According to verses 28-29, how does God feel about the suggestion of the Israelite leaders regarding Moses' role?
- What benefits are to come to the nation from living by the law?
Applying the Word
- How can the fear of the Lord be a positive influence in your life and conduct?
- In what way may the fear of the Lord be a problem for you that keeps you from spending time with him?
- In Jesus Christ we no longer come to God through a mediator. How does this encourage a more personal relationship with him than the people had in the Old Testament?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to give you the courage to seek his presence and then spend some time in quiet worship. Pray that the fear of the Lord would be a helpful presence in guiding your heartfelt obedience.
For Further Study
Now Choose Life by J. Gary Millar