Awe Factor of God

Every month we have a youth group student speak and share their heart. The group was blessed by Olivia’s word on fearing God. Her message really stuck and personally I began to think about the awe factor of God. Fearing God means to be in awe of Him. I began really studying the Bible about fearing God and one of my favorite awe factors was found in Genesis 21 and 22. In Genesis 21, Issac was born after many years of praying and staying faithful. In Genesis 22, Abraham is asked by God to take Issac to the land of Moriah and offer him as a burnt offering. Abraham goes to the mountains and prepares the fire. Genesis 22:5, Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey, and I and the lad will go over there, and we will WORSHIP and return to you.” He was worshipping God even after being tasked with something very difficult.

Abraham then goes and binds his son on the altar and takes the knife to slay his son. Genesis 22:10-13, Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham! And he said, “Here I am”. He said, “Do not stretch out your hand against the lad, and do nothing to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.”

Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son because he feared (was in awe) of the Lord. The son he and Sarah waited for years, the best gift they had to offer. When you lay down your best and show God the awe you have for him, he will provide the sacrifice (the ram). What do you need to give up or do to show that you fear the Lord?