The God who is to be Feared

Read Psalm 76.

God sovereignly chose Abraham and his descendants and gave them unconditional, eternal promises.  The city of Jerusalem He chose as the place for the Temple and the center of worship under the old covenant.  His very presence was there in the Holy of Holies behind the curtain.

It is no wonder then that as Israel obeyed God that He jealousy protected Jerusalem from its enemies.  God demonstrated His presence by unleashing His power against attackers.  How are people to respond to such a God as this?

1. The LORD is to be feared.
At the root of all sin is the lack of respect, reverence, and obedient response to the God of heaven.  The answer to his question in verse 7 is no one!  Sooner or later all will come to fear the LORD.  "So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:10-11)

2. The LORD will execute judgment on those who do not fear Him.
God's wrath is reserved for those who chose to ignore His claims.  Every individual will come to Him in this life out of great love and gratitude for His offer of forgiveness, or they will bow on command as they enter eternal punishment for rejecting Him.  He has proven His power of wrath time and again.  Even those who defy God will bring Him glory as He fulfills His purposes in judging them.

3. The LORD saves those who fear Him.
In verse 9, these are called "the humble."  When one surrenders their life to God, they come under His protection.  He not only is present to help now, but He has secured our eternity as well.  But "faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17).  So, Asaph made a call to put our faith into practice:
-Keep your promises to God.
At the moment of salvation we committed to live for Him as Lord of our lives.  That is a 24/7 promise of thought, word and deed.
-Bring Him your gifts.
Giving and worship are inseparable.