Do You Not Fear God?

No.3 Do You Not Fear God?

Other Posts in this Series: Why This Waste? and Are You Still Sleeping?

Okay, so in full disclosure, I thought the thief on the cross asked Jesus to remember him, and that was to be my third unforgettable question, ‘Will you remember me?’ But as it turns out, he didn’t ask that question. He declared it. It was a plea, a cry. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. I find that interesting, so hold on to that thought. But, he did ask another question, according to Luke 23, Do you not fear God?

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:39-43

A criminal defending Jesus. I love it. Pain and death can pull interesting thoughts and emotions from us. Whether we are the ones in pain or watching others in pain, our response is a tell-tale sign of what or who we are rooted in. Are we responding in fear? Anger? Judgement? Or, do we still fear God in the midst of it, looking to him regardless because we know he knows us? Isn’t that the longing, the eternity written in our hearts? To know him and to be known by him.

Back to the statement remember me. Our humble approach to God will look different at different times. Sometimes it looks like asking him questions—the longing to learn and know him more. Sometimes it is simply speaking to him the truth that he already spoke. In Luke 23, the thief on the cross knew Jesus wasn’t guilty like he was, and he knew that there was truth and life in every one of his words. The thief repeated to Jesus what he had seen, heard, and knew. Remember me when you come into your kingdom.

He’s not the only one who made this statement. Hannah prayed and wept bitterly, and looking at God with all her faith, she made a vow, O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of you servant and remember and forget not your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1).

David cries remember your mercy, O LORD, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, but according to your steadfast love, remember me. (Psalm 25:6-7). And Hezekiah pleads remember me please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight (Isaiah 38:3).

In these cries, we see people who fear God and have set their eyes on him. In response, God shows up strong on their behalf. Hannah was given a son, Samuel. David received mercy. Hezekiah’s life was extended. And the criminal on the cross was with Jesus that day in paradise.

So, do you not fear God?

Psalm 20 David writes, some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. They have bowed down and fallen; but we have risen and stand upright (vs 7-8). Part of fearing the Lord is to remember his name and to trust his ways, knowing that we are not forsaken or forgotten—he remembers us. It’s not, remember? It’s, remember!

I remember your name, Lord. Remember me in your mercy. I remember your ways, God. Remember that I have walked rightly with you. I remember your words, God. Remember the promises you’ve spoken.

Friends, let’s wash in the Word of God. And as we set our face on Jesus, let’s speak back his truth and life. It’s a wonderful, powerful interaction with God.

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Brave Sparrow exists to create resources on discipleship, leadership, and worship so that the Kingdom of Heaven will be evident on the earth until Jesus returns!