The Awe of God

The Awe of God Plot Summary

Introduction

In a world that seems increasingly consumed by fear - fear of the future, fear of others, fear of failure - John Bevere presents a paradoxical truth: there exists a type of fear that actually eliminates all other fears. This "holy fear," the awe of God, has been misunderstood, neglected, or outright rejected by many in modern society, including within Christian communities. Yet throughout history, those who discovered this treasure found themselves experiencing extraordinary confidence, wisdom, and intimacy with their Creator. Bevere's journey into understanding holy fear began with surprising encounters - from a conversation with an imprisoned televangelist who confessed, "I loved Jesus but didn't fear God," to witnessing supernatural manifestations of God's presence that left entire congregations trembling in reverent awe. Through these experiences and decades of biblical study, he discovered that the fear of the Lord is not a negative emotion that drives us from God, but rather a positive force that draws us closer to Him. It is the beginning of wisdom, the foundation of true intimacy with God, and the key that unlocks protection from unholy fears. As readers journey through these pages, they will discover how this forgotten virtue might be the very thing our fearful world needs most.

Chapter 1: Rediscovering Holy Fear: The Journey Begins

John Bevere's exploration of holy fear began with two pivotal experiences in 1994. The first occurred at a church conference in the southeastern United States, where he felt compelled to speak about the fear of the Lord. After his message, the head pastor took the platform and publicly corrected him for fifteen minutes, asserting that "the fear of the Lord only applies to Old Testament times." Stunned and shaken, Bevere retreated to his hotel, confused and questioning his understanding. The next morning, while praying at an empty construction site, something unexpected happened. Instead of receiving correction from God, Bevere found himself passionately crying out, "Father, I want to know the fear of the Lord, I want to walk in it!" The Holy Spirit began bringing to his remembrance numerous New Testament scriptures about fearing God. This affirming experience gave him confidence that holy fear was indeed relevant for Christians today. Later that same year, Bevere visited a famous televangelist in prison who had lost his ministry through moral failure. When Bevere asked him, "When did you fall out of love with Jesus?", the man's response was startling: "I didn't fall out of love with Jesus." Confused, Bevere challenged him about his years of adulterous behavior. The convicted minister calmly explained, "John, I loved Jesus, but I didn't fear God." Then came the statement that reverberated through Bevere's being: "There are millions of Americans just like me—they love Jesus, but they don't fear God." This insight illuminated the root cause behind many believers' moral failures and departures from faith. The fear of the Lord isn't a destructive emotion that drives us away from God; rather, it's a profound reverence that keeps us from the evil that would destroy us. As Proverbs 16:6 states, "By the fear of the Lord one departs from evil." Bevere began to understand that holy fear is not the opposite of love for God, but rather its necessary companion. The journey continued when Bevere ministered in Brazil, where he encountered an arena full of believers who showed little reverence during worship. After confronting their casual attitude, he witnessed a remarkable transformation as the congregation repented and God's presence manifested powerfully, including a supernatural sound of wind that even those outside the building heard. This experience further confirmed that the fear of the Lord and God's manifest presence are intimately connected. Through these formative experiences, Bevere began to piece together a crucial understanding: holy fear had been misunderstood, marginalized, or completely abandoned in many churches, yet it remained essential to spiritual health. It wasn't something to be dismissed as Old Testament thinking, but a treasure to be rediscovered for believers who desired to walk in wisdom, obedience, and intimacy with God.

Chapter 2: The Power of God's Presence: Transformative Encounters

Standing in an arena in Brasilia, Brazil, Bevere watched in dismay as thousands of Christian conference attendees milled about during worship, chatting casually and treating the service like a social gathering. When he took the stage, he remained silent for a full minute, allowing an uncomfortable stillness to settle over the crowd. Then he asked pointedly, "How would you like it if, while you speak to someone, they ignore you or carry on conversations with others?" After confronting their irreverence, he spoke for ninety minutes on the fear of the Lord. The response was dramatic—75 percent of the congregation stood to repent, and God's presence filled the arena with such intensity that people began weeping. What happened next would forever change Bevere's understanding of God's presence. As the atmosphere of reverence deepened, a sound like a mighty wind blew through the building. Though no physical wind could be felt, the sound was so loud it overpowered the thunderous prayers of the crowd. Security personnel outside even rushed in, asking about the strange sound coming from within. Bevere was rooted to the spot, covered in goose bumps, unable to speak. "This isn't the presence of Abba Father," he thought, "it is our holy, awesome, mighty King!" These manifestations of God's presence reveal a crucial truth: there is a direct connection between holy fear and experiencing God's tangible presence. Scripture identifies two types of divine presence. The first is God's omnipresence—His existence everywhere at all times. David wrote, "I can never get away from your presence!" (Psalm 139:7). The second is His manifest presence, where God reveals Himself to our senses in a special way. Jesus referred to this when He said, "I will love him and manifest Myself to him" (John 14:21 NKJV). The psalmist declares, "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be held in reverence by all those around Him" (Psalm 89:7 NKJV). This reverence is not merely an emotion but a posture of the heart that acknowledges God's holiness. When this reverence is absent, so too is God's manifest presence. Bevere discovered this principle applies even in personal prayer. For years, he struggled to enter God's presence during private devotions. Then he began simply pondering God's awesomeness before uttering a word—and immediately experienced His presence. Throughout Scripture, encounters with God's glory produced profound responses. Isaiah saw the Lord and cried, "Woe is me, for I am undone!" (Isaiah 6:5 NKJV). Job, whom God called "the finest man in all the earth," encountered God's glory and declared, "I abhor myself" (Job 42:6 NKJV). Moses was "terrified and trembling" at God's presence (Hebrews 12:21). Even John, the beloved apostle, "fell at his feet as if dead" when he saw the glorified Jesus (Revelation 1:17). These responses reveal that genuine encounters with God's glory inspire holy fear—not terror that drives us away, but awe that draws us closer while maintaining a profound respect for His holiness. This is why Bevere emphasizes that "our holy fear grows proportionally to our comprehension of God's greatness." The more we understand who God truly is, the more naturally we respond with appropriate reverence, and the more readily we experience His manifest presence.

Chapter 3: Obedience and Intimacy: The Heart of Holy Fear

At the core of holy fear lies obedience—not reluctant compliance, but willing submission born of love and reverence. Scripture reveals a profound connection between fearing God and obeying His Word. As the psalmist writes, "Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who delights greatly in His commandments" (Psalm 112:1 NKJV). This is no burden but a joy that flows from understanding God's character as both loving Father and sovereign King. Bevere identifies five distinct aspects of trembling at God's Word. First, we obey God immediately. When we delay obedience, we communicate that His will is secondary in importance. Moses responded promptly to God's call; Noah began building the ark without hesitation; Abraham rose early the morning after receiving God's difficult command to sacrifice Isaac. In contrast, many believers casually remark, "God has been dealing with me about this matter for a couple months," unaware they're demonstrating a lack of holy fear. Second, we obey God even when it doesn't make sense. When Jesus told His disciples to pour water into wine containers, or when Elisha instructed Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan, the commands seemed illogical. Yet those who obeyed discovered God's wisdom confirmed by the results. As Jesus said, "Wisdom is shown to be right by its results" (Matthew 11:19). Third, we obey God even when we don't see a personal benefit. Like Esther, who risked her life for her people, or Iranian Christians who return to persecution rather than defecting to safety, those who fear God prioritize His kingdom over personal advantage. Fourth, we obey God even when it's painful, as Jesus demonstrated in Gethsemane when He prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done." Finally, we obey God to completion. Almost-complete obedience, as King Saul discovered, is disobedience. This obedience creates the pathway to true intimacy with God. Jesus states plainly, "You are My friends if you do whatever I command you" (John 15:14 NKJV). Unlike many modern conceptions that portray Jesus as everyone's casual friend, Scripture presents friendship with God as conditional. Abraham became God's friend through his obedience, evidenced when he was willing to sacrifice Isaac. Moses spoke with God "face to face, as a man speaks to his friend" (Exodus 33:11 NKJV) and chose God's presence over personal comfort, saying, "If you don't personally go with us, don't make us leave this place" (Exodus 33:15). The intimacy available to those who fear God transcends typical religious experience. The psalmist writes, "The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him" (Psalm 25:14 NKJV). This word "secret" (sôḏ in Hebrew) refers to God's confidential counsel. Just as we share our innermost thoughts only with close friends, God reveals His heart and plans to those who have demonstrated their trustworthiness through holy fear. This holy intimacy stands in stark contrast to the casual Christianity prevalent today. Many profess to love Jesus while living contrary to His commands, creating what Bevere calls "a different Jesus"—a fictional deity who makes no demands. But Jesus warns that many will call Him "Lord" yet hear Him say, "I never knew you" (Matthew 7:23 NKJV). The Greek word for "knew" (ginṓskō) implies intimate knowledge, the same word used for the marital relationship. True intimacy with God begins with holy fear that manifests as obedience.

Chapter 4: Motives Revealed: Living in Authentic Integrity

One of the most profound aspects of holy fear is how it exposes and purifies our motives. In Acts 5, we encounter Ananias and Sapphira, a couple who sold property and brought part of the proceeds to the apostles while claiming it was the full amount. Their actions appeared godly—giving to the church—but their motives were corrupt. They wanted the acclaim of appearing extraordinarily generous without making the full sacrifice. Their judgment was swift and severe: both fell dead and were buried the same day. This account reveals a sobering truth: God examines not just our actions but the intentions behind them. Bevere explains that every person has three distinct images: a perceived image (how others see us), a projected image (how we want others to see us), and our actual image (who we really are). The gap between these images indicates a lack of integrity, which holy fear addresses by keeping us focused on God's perception rather than man's approval. The fear of the Lord protects us from what Scripture calls "the fear of man," which Proverbs 29:25 identifies as "a dangerous trap." When we fear people's opinions more than God's, our motives become contaminated. This was evident when the apostle Peter, despite his leadership position, pulled away from Gentile believers when Jewish Christians arrived, prompting Paul to confront him for hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11-14). Peter's temporary lapse shows how easily the fear of man can corrupt even mature believers. For many Christians, this battle manifests in subtle ways. Bevere shares how the Holy Spirit exposed his own impure motives early in ministry: "People say you are a loving and kind man," God told him, not as affirmation but correction. "Do you know why you speak nice and complimentary things to people even if it isn't true? Because you fear their rejection. So, who is the focus of your love—you or them?" This revelation was transformative, showing him that his perceived kindness often masked self-protection. Holy fear illuminates these hidden motives because it keeps us aware that "nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes" (Hebrews 4:13). It reminds us that at the judgment seat of Christ, not only our actions but our "darkest secrets" and "private motives" will be revealed (1 Corinthians 4:5). This awareness isn't meant to terrorize but to liberate us from deception—including self-deception. The purifying power of holy fear is illustrated through Paul's words: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV). While justification (the forgiveness of our sins) is entirely God's work, sanctification (the process of becoming holy) requires our cooperation. Holy fear empowers this transformation by keeping our conscience sensitive to God's voice. This sensitivity is crucial, as Scripture warns that people can "deliberately violate their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked" (1 Timothy 1:19). Bevere describes this process: when we first speak unkindly about someone, our conscience feels like a knife thrust into our gut. If we ignore this warning and justify our behavior, the next time it's merely a hard pinch, then just a tingle, until eventually we feel nothing at all. Our conscience becomes "seared with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4:2 NKJV), and we lose our moral navigation. Holy fear prevents this deterioration by keeping us in a place of integrity—where our actual image aligns with what we project. It enables us to love truth in our inward parts and live authentically before God and others. Rather than constructing facades to appear spiritual, those who fear God embrace the liberating reality that they are fully known and still fully loved.

Chapter 5: Enduring Legacy: How Holy Fear Shapes Generations

The impact of holy fear extends far beyond individual lives; it shapes entire generations. Scripture declares, "How joyful are those who fear the LORD and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed" (Psalm 112:1-2). This promise reveals one of holy fear's most profound benefits: a godly legacy that endures through time. In the 1870s, a sociologist named Richard Dugdale investigated inmates in thirteen county jails in upstate New York. His research led him to trace the descendants of Max Jukes, born in the early 1700s. Among Jukes' 540 identified descendants were 76 convicted criminals, 18 brothel keepers, 120 prostitutes, and over 200 government-relief recipients. His legacy was one of dysfunction that cost society millions in today's currency. Contrast this with Jonathan Edwards, born during the same period, who with his wife Sarah deeply feared God. They read the Bible and prayed together every night, and Jonathan prayed over each of their eleven children daily. Among their 1,394 known descendants were 13 college presidents, 65 professors, 3 United States senators, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 military officers, 100 ministers and missionaries, 60 prominent authors, and one vice president of the United States. Their offspring didn't cost the government a penny but instead contributed immeasurably to society. These contrasting legacies illustrate the power of holy fear to shape not just our own lives but those who come after us. The biblical promise extends beyond immediate family: "The love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him" (Psalm 103:17). This indicates that our reverence for God transmits something significant to our descendants. Not only will they be influencers, but we will continue to be blessed through them. This principle appears throughout Scripture. When Abraham demonstrated his fear of God by his willingness to sacrifice Isaac, God promised, "Your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies" (Genesis 22:17 NKJV). Similarly, when Phinehas displayed zeal for God's honor, the Lord established "a covenant of peace" with him and his descendants, granting them "a permanent right to the priesthood" (Numbers 25:12-13). Holy fear provides a protective covering for our children and grandchildren. Bevere shares how when his sons were young, he battled fears about their safety and spiritual well-being. One evening after ministering far from home, he realized his lack of holy fear was preventing him from relinquishing ownership of their lives to Jesus. He prayed, "Father, these four sons are not mine anymore; they now belong to Jesus. You can do whatever you desire with them, but devil, you will never touch them!" Since that day, he never feared for their lives again. Instead of anxiously trying to control outcomes, those who fear God entrust their descendants to Him while faithfully modeling reverence in their daily lives. This creates a spiritual momentum that carries forward through generations. Even when children temporarily stray, the seeds of reverence planted in their hearts often return to full bloom in time. As Proverbs 22:6 states, "Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it." The legacy of holy fear also includes wisdom transmitted through generations. Proverbs 4:10-11 promises, "Listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths." This wisdom becomes a protective force that helps descendants avoid the traps and snares that destroy many lives, providing them with discernment and direction.

Chapter 6: Spiritual Protection: The Fear That Eliminates Fears

In a world increasingly gripped by anxiety, the fear of the Lord offers a paradoxical promise: "The fear of the LORD leads to life, bringing security and protection from harm" (Proverbs 19:23). This heavenly reverence actually eliminates earthly fears, providing a sanctuary of confidence in troubling times. As Charles Spurgeon observed, "The fear of God is the death of every other fear; like a mighty lion, it chases all other fears before it." Isaiah 8:12-14 presents this counterintuitive truth clearly: "Don't call everything a conspiracy, like they do, and don't live in dread of what frightens them. Make the LORD of Heaven's Armies holy in your life. He is the one you should fear. He is the one who should make you tremble. He will keep you safe." Here we see the divine exchange—when we fear God appropriately, He becomes our refuge from all other fears. This protection manifests in numerous ways. First, holy fear provides wisdom that helps us avoid destructive paths. Proverbs 14:27 calls it "a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death" (NKJV). These snares are like hidden traps with attractive bait—opportunities, relationships, or ventures that appear beneficial but ultimately lead to ruin. Holy fear acts as an internal early warning system, alerting us to dangers that others miss. Even when we're unaware of lurking threats, holy fear protects us. Bevere shares the biblical account of King Abimelech, who unknowingly took Abraham's wife Sarah into his harem. God came to him in a dream saying, "You are a dead man," to which Abimelech protested his innocence. God responded, "Yes, I know you are innocent. That's why I kept you from sinning against me" (Genesis 20:6). Though he wasn't in covenant with God, Abimelech's reverence for divine authority provided protection he didn't even realize he needed. Beyond wisdom, holy fear often brings supernatural protection. Psalm 34:7 promises, "The angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him." Bevere recounts how Pastor John Hagee stood unmoved when a gunman fired six rounds at him from eight feet away. All six bullets missed—forensics later determined three passed six inches to his left and three six inches to his right. Even an inexperienced shooter would normally hit a target from such close range, suggesting divine intervention redirected the bullets. Similarly, King Jehoshaphat, who was "deeply committed to the ways of the LORD," experienced remarkable protection: "the fear of the LORD fell over all the surrounding kingdoms so that none of them wanted to declare war on Jehoshaphat" (2 Chronicles 17:10). When Jacob directed his family to put away their idols and fear God, "a terror from God spread over the people in all the towns of that area, so no one attacked Jacob's family" (Genesis 35:5). This divine protection extends to modern believers as well. Bevere shares how a mother and daughter who had embraced holy fear were confronted by three armed men outside their home. Rather than freezing in terror, the mother immediately began praying aloud, growing more confident with each word. The assailants became increasingly agitated, demanding she stop praying, which gave her daughter time to slip away and call for help, causing the men to flee. Perhaps most importantly, holy fear eliminates the ultimate fear: death itself. Those who genuinely revere God gain eternal perspective that transforms their approach to mortality. Like the apostle Paul, they can say, "For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better" (Philippians 1:21). This isn't morbid fatalism but confident assurance that death has lost its sting through Christ's victory. This freedom from fear creates a distinctive quality of life. Those who fear God "do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the LORD to care for them. They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly" (Psalm 112:7-8). In a world where anxiety disorders affect millions and fear dominates headlines, holy fear offers a radical alternative—not detachment from reality, but transcendent peace that comes from knowing the One who holds all things together.

Summary

The awe of God—this holy fear that has been so misunderstood and neglected—emerges as perhaps the most valuable treasure a person can possess. Throughout history, those who discovered and embraced this virtue found themselves walking in wisdom, experiencing authentic intimacy with their Creator, and living with a confidence that transcended circumstances. Far from being an outdated Old Testament concept, holy fear proves to be the foundation for everything good and enduring in life. The journey through holy fear reveals a profound paradox: in fearing God appropriately, we are set free from all other fears. This reverence doesn't drive us from God but draws us closer to Him, purifying our motives, guiding our decisions, and protecting us from destructive paths. It creates a legacy that extends far beyond our individual lives, influencing generations to come. Perhaps most significantly, it restores us to our proper relationship with our Creator—not as casual acquaintances, but as friends who know His heart because we have learned to treasure what He treasures. In a world increasingly marked by anxiety and uncertainty, rediscovering the awe of God may be precisely what we need to find our way back to confident, purposeful living.

About Author

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John Bevere

Marked by boldness and passion, John Bevere delivers uncompromising truth through his award-winning curriculums and bestselling books, now in more than 60 languages, including "The Bait of Satan," "Drawing Near" and "Driven by Eternity." He is an international speaker and co-host of "The Messenger" TV program broadcast worldwide. John enjoys living in Colorado Springs with his wife, Lisa, also a best-selling author and speaker, and their four sons.

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