Blog post may 2, 2026

Reverent fear... Rejoice with trembling...

The Psalmist says "serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling." Psalm 2:11

This is one of those verses you can find yourself standing there with minutes passing by as you ponder the depth and meaning of what is being said.

I visualize standing on shore looking out at a vast ocean. My mind thinking of the beauty of a coral reef and all of the colorful life that lives beneath the surface, while at the same time thinking of how many men have lost their lives when beauty is churned up into vessel capsizing waves.

For those who are standing in God's grace through Jesus Christ, we can visualize the glory of being in God's prescence. The description of the new Jerusalem before us; walls made of Jasper and a city of pure gold as clear as glass. The city built on foundation stones inlaid with 12 precious stones. The 12 gates were made of pearls each gate from a single pearl, and the main street was pure Gold. A city that has no need of sun or moon for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. Revelation 21

All of this for those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. But only those whose names are written in the Lambs book of life! The same God who offered such grace in this life will be the same God who sits in judgment of those who have refused His gift.

Reverent fear and rejoice with trembling. We can see how the two come together. The holy awe of God is to be pondered, with time passing by, we stand in reverent fear and rejoice with trembling. Contemplating what will be...

Peter James and John went up on the mount of transfiguration with Jesus. They fell on their faces with reverent fear and they rejoiced with trembling as they took in the sight of the glorified Christ. One day we will do likewise. Until then we are left pondering....

Heavenly Father I can't imagine gates made of a single pearl. Streets of pure gold and Your glory replacing the sun and moon. Jesus the Lamb of God radiating His glory... What amazing things await Your children. Until then we are left to serve the Lord with reverent fear, and to rejoice with trembling... May we do so in Jesus name. AMEN