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Monday, December 3, 2007
And his delight shall be Just how does anyone delight in fear of the Lord? Is it ironic that delight and fear appear together in this verse? Taken as the simple fear that we feel in many of life’s situations, this seems utterly impossible. Yet, there is a fear that is more like what I would call awe. With this understanding, it is possible to appreciate the experience of fear that causes this exuberant hope for “delight in the fear of the Lord”. The dictionary definition for awe is “a feeling of deep wonder and respect for overpowering grandeur; fear and respect.” To reflect on this definition gives a richer, fuller sense of what I believe Isaiah is describing in this passage. Several years ago, I had the privilege of being present for the birth of my first grandchild. It was an awesome experience to realize that 30 years prior to this event, I had given birth to the young woman now giving birth. As the hours of labor went by, expectation turned to concern for the life of the baby. There were moments of deep wonder at this process. There were also moments of fear and respect for the overwhelming power of this process to give or take life. And then, there was the incredible moment of a safe delivery and the sounds of my grandson’s first cry. It still gives me goose bumps to recall this totally amazing and miraculous experience. God’s remarkable creation! How could one not delight in this “fear” of the Lord? |
