Knowing Him

My readings were in 2nd Kings this morning and a line caught my eye: 

        ... Him you shall fear, Him you shall worship
        and to Him you shall offer sacrifice. (2 Kings 17:36)

As one who has trusted the LORD Jesus Christ, I know my sins are forgiven and I am no longer under the law. But I feel that as believers in this time period we have lost something. We have lost the fear of the Lord.

It's interesting to me that God ordained that the children of Israel were first to fear Him. Why fear? Why not sacrifice first or even worship first? Why fear?

Could it be that in order to truly fear God you have to know Him. And what kind of fear is this talking about? I decided to look it up at dictionary.com. Here's what it said:

     1.   a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc.,
           whether the threat is real or imagined; the feeling or condition of 
           being afraid.

     2.   a specific instance of or propensity for such a feeling: an abnormal
           fear of heights.

     3.   concern or anxiety; solicitude: a fear for someone's safety. 
        
         4.     reverential awe, especially toward God: the fear of God.

         5.    something that causes feelings of dread or apprehension; something a 
                person is afraid of:  Cancer is a common fear. 

I believe it is definition number 4 that applies here: a reverential awe. We don't know how to fear God. We don't know what it means to be in reverential awe of Him. We are willing to talk of His love; we like that part of Him. But to be in awe of Him.

He is the God Who created this world out of nothing by just saying the words. He is the One Who brought judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah for not honouring Him. He is the One Who brought the widow's son back to life. He is the One Who can cause a young couple who have just learned that their baby has been miscarried to say, "It is for God's glory."

Do we know Him enough to fear Him? I know I don't, at least not the way I should. My hearts prayer is that I may learn of Him more so that I may truly fear Him. Then I can worship Him in the way that He ought to be worshipped. Then I can offer my life as that living and holy sacrifice which is holy and acceptable to Him. 

It is step by step. As He shows me more of Himself, then I can stand in fear of Him... a little more, then worship Him... a little more, then offer myself to Him... a little more. But I have to start in knowing Him.