Eze 2:5-7 - And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house.
We are not supposed to be afraid. Of anything. Period. And then God labels what could cause fear. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t be afraid of their words. Don’t be afraid of their looks. He does tell them not to be afraid of their words twice. God says “Do not be afraid” because they are a rebellious house and you are going to speak my words to them. If Ezekiel were afraid, he would give have given more power to evil than to good. But, God is above all and therefore, just as important as it is to not be afraid, it is just as important to fear God rightly. We will do one or the other when faced with a hard time. Do not fear God because fearing God replaces fearing words, people or looks. Fearing God frees to face our fears with confidence and victory.
Ps 22:23 - You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
In the midst of fear, the fear of God will not only replace our fear, but also lead us to praise Him. It is impossible to truly fear God and not be moved to praise by His power, love, goodness and mercy. As we grow in fear of God, we will grow in our confidence and our praise. The fear of God leads to the worship of God!
