Holy Fear

Before Genesis 3, fear as we know it probably did not exist.
I would think there was a right reverence of God by Adam and Eve before then,
but not the fear they knew after that initial disobedience.
Adam even told God they hid because they were afraid after that disobedience.
Fear became a logical outcome of disobedience and remains so to this day.
Instinctively now
we fear age;
we fear disease;
we fear injury;
we fear death;
we fear being
found out as
sinners,
and well we should.
God told our first parents disobedience would have consequences,
and so it was, and so it is.
We disobey Him in thought, in word, in deed,
fearlessly as sinners, thinking those consequences can be avoided.
They cannot be.
Sin leads to death, sooner or later, and judgment, and eternity apart.
And some say, "Why should He make only one way to be reconciled?"
And I say, "Why should He make any way?"
Such merciful grace is not a right but a gift,
a gift He can choose to give or withhold,
just as we on a human level can give or withhold gifts.
Making a way to be reconciled with a sinner is a merciful gift of
such amazing magnitude and cost to the Giver that the only
response to Him can be grateful thanks and "Thy will be done."
O Friend of sinners, O Lover of my soul, that You would act to make me whole!
This wretch You chose to make Your child at the highest cost of any adoption--
adoration is my response!
Made accepted in the Beloved!
Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me. bless His holy Name!
Come in holy fear, reverence Him alone.

God's Holiness

God's holiness mandates justice for sin;
We cannot live then apart from
God's mercy offering grace:
Christ the Holy in our place.
That God should offer God
For any sinner takes my breath away
And I must pray:
Give me of this grace,
Whatever it cost,
Or I am eternally lost.