II Corinthians 5 Devotional
Pastor Mark Hudson
I think a careful reader will see the section 1-10 and then 11 – 21. The section 11-21 is one of my favorite sections in the New Testament. I think these verses are thrilling. I go back to them often and want to preach or teach on these verses annually. But this morning, I want to reflect of just two verses: 10-11.
At the end of the first section, v. 10 Paul writes, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” Then immediately, Paul in verse 11, speaks of his motivation in preaching and teaching, “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.”
Is there a connection between the judgment seat of Christ and evangelism or teaching? I think there is. Paul had a healthy fear of God. He has respect but he also had φόβον – this is the word standing behind the word in verse 11. We get the English word phobias or fear that we have of certain things, places, or people. When the author of Hebrews is describing Christ’s prayers and why he was heard, the author points to Christ’s reverent feat or εὐλαβείας . The English uses two words to translate one Greek word. Different word but are they different meanings?
I don’t think Paul had a fear of God that is akin to terror. I do think he feared in the same way Jesus spoke in Matthew 10:28, “28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Yes, Paul feared God as we all should.
Does that mean we walk around afraid? I fear trucks so I look multiple times when I cross a road. I fear getting crippled or killed in an accident so I wear a seat belt. But I am not shaking in fear every time I cross a street nor do I shake in fear every time I drive. Fear is not a negative word though it is rarely used in a positive way. Certainly this is a nuanced way of thinking about fear but is it?
I heard a neighbor speak loudly to a young child who riding her bike too close to the busy street. Should the child fear the cars driving by? Should we teach our children fear? Yes, I think they should fear a number of things so they are extra careful or cautious. But, they should not be paralyzed so they never take risks skiing, climbing trees, or riding a bike.
So should we fear God? Of course we should have the reverent fear that Hebrews 5:7 teaches. While there is a different word used in our passage, the sense cannot be that much different. Of course we should fear God for as the beavers said in the Chronicles of Narnia, “He (Aslan) is not a tame lion.” We should fear God but not a fear that does not love Him, draw near to Him, and can say Abba, Father.
I fear the God who created heaven and hell. I fear God because He has the authority and power to cast my soul into hell. I fear Him because nothing is impossible for Him. No one can to Him, “What have you done?” We ought to have a healthy respect and fear of God.
Yet, I love Him. Not as I ought and not with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind. But I do love the same God I fear. I am seeking to draw closer to this majestic, holy, just, God. I want to be as close to Him as possible.
But he is not my co-pilot, He is not my buddy, or the Man upstairs. I do, but never should, take Him for granted, treat Him casually, or forget that He is way up there and I am way down here.
Can I wrap this up for you? No, because I am still working on it myself. I lament over my sin and confess what He already knows. But I also sing before Him, get filled with such pleasure and joy, and thank Him over and over for every little thing and person in my life.
So there you have it. Fear God who can cast your soul into hell but has provided Christ so believers won’t go there. And love that same God as Abba, Father. Someday, we will be in His presence where there is eternal joy and we will praise His love with the same ardor that we praise His justice. No one will there will question His judgment. No one there will stumble over His holiness. We will embrace God as He is or not at all.