The Filter of Fear: How the Fear of the Lord Changes Everything
We all see life through filters. Expectations shape our views—sometimes, they lead us astray. Think about Christmas: we picture a peaceful evening, reading the Christmas story with our children. The reality? Chaos. Sprinkles from cookie decorating on the floor, kids fighting over the frosting, and exhaustion replacing our imagined serenity.
Israel, too, had expectations. They longed for a king who would conquer, deliver, and restore. Instead, they got Jesus—a baby who redefined what kingship meant. Many missed the Messiah because their filters clouded the truth.
The same can happen to us. Without the right filter—the fear of the Lord—we can miss what God is doing.
What Is the Fear of the Lord?
The fear of the Lord isn’t about being scared. It’s about awe, reverence, and submission to God’s power, majesty, and holiness. It’s living with deep respect for Him and a desire to obey His ways.
Psalm 33:8 says, “Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.” When we live with the fear of the Lord, it transforms how we see life. It takes us from self-centered living to a God-focused existence.
But what happens when we don’t?
The Cost of Missing the Fear of the Lord
Without the fear of the Lord, we become blind to reality. We miss blessings, waste time, and lose opportunities to experience God’s best. Our relationships suffer, our ambitions fall short, and we pursue comfort over what’s eternal. Like Israel at the time of Jesus’ birth, we lose sight of what matters most.
Jesus described this condition in Matthew 13:13: “Seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.”
Israel had knowledge but no fear of the Lord. They were blind to the greatest moment in history—the coming of the Messiah—because they expected God to act their way, on their terms.
The Wise Men: A Picture of the Fear of the Lord
While many missed the Messiah, there were a few who didn’t: the wise men. They feared the Lord, and because of it, they saw clearly.
- They Looked Up
The wise men were paying attention. They saw the star because their eyes were lifted to God’s glory. Their awe of Him gave them clarity to see what others missed. Colossians 3:2 tells us to “set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” The wise men lived this truth—they were seeking God, not their own desires. - They Pursued Without Fear
These men traveled for months—possibly a year—to worship Jesus. They risked everything: leaving their homes, crossing enemy territory, and enduring hardships. They didn’t let fear of man or inconvenience hold them back.Many of us hesitate to pursue God fully. We’re afraid to stand for Him at work, among friends, or in public. The wise men weren’t. They denied themselves, took up their burden, and pursued Jesus at all costs. - They Prepared to Worship
The wise men didn’t come empty-handed. They brought treasures—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—gifts of great value to honor the King. They prepared for this moment because they knew worship required sacrifice.Too often, we worship God with what’s leftover—our time, energy, and resources. The wise men remind us that true worship is intentional. It’s about giving God our best.
Who or What Do You Worship?
Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). The wise men’s hearts were with God, and it showed. They pursued Him relentlessly, worshiped Him humbly, and gave to Him sacrificially.
What about us? Are we like the wise men, seeking and worshiping God? Or are we like Israel—blind, distracted, and caught up in our own expectations?
The truth is this: the fear of the Lord is the filter that changes everything. It clears the haze of sin, pride, and self-interest. It helps us see life as it truly is—centered on God and His glory.
The Challenge: Look Up and Don’t Miss Out
This Christmas, don’t miss what God has for you. Don’t let sin, distractions, or fear cloud your vision. Look up, pursue Him wholeheartedly, and prepare to worship.
The wise men didn’t miss the coming of the Messiah. Will you?
The King is here. The choice is yours.