Have you ever watched a sunrise or sunset? Have you ever camped out under the stars and have been amazed at the number of stars? As you hold a newborn baby are you in awe in that moment at the miracle of birth?
The Hebrew word that is translated “awe” is “yirah”. The actual meaning of this word is respect, reverence, worship and fear. This word is used in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear (yirah) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”The implication is that we are not to be afraid of the Lord as though we are scared. We are not to imply the Lord is waiting to crush us and we cannot escape (There is certain amount of truth of this fact in judgment due to our rejection of His offer of salvation).
The next time that you stand on the oceans shore realize your emotion is not one of fear in that moment. Rather you are awe-struck at the size and power of the ocean. You feel yirah! In that moment you feel reverence for a creating God. That is what scripture declares as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge. Do you “yirah” God in that manner?
Shepherds Advantage provides Servant Leadership that helps people close the gap between where they are and where they want to be. Shepherds Advantage closes that gap by providing Leadership Development, Key Note Speaking, and Executive Coaching.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are offensive or off-topic.