November 1 Ps. 147:11

The Lord delights in those who fear him,
who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Years ago my late wife, Lily, and I bought a canoe to enjoy the outdoors. Our favorite river to canoe was the Saco in Maine. She was weak because of her Muscular Dystrophy. She had a small paddle but really wasn’t able to add much to forward progress. By contrast I had an old double-bladed fold boat paddle and did most of the propelling. I would paddle us upstream and then we would flow back downstream to our campsite next to the river. Often Lily would sit facing me and read aloud. I remember especially the summer she read The Hobbit. We had an adventure along with Bilbo and the gang.

However, the Saco was not a gentle stream in late spring. Then we would get a shuttle up river and float very carefully down. It was a different kind of adventure with real danger and needed skill. 

On one trip down river we were accompanied by a family of four in two canoes. Mother and daughter were in one. Father and son in the other. The river was high and fast. As soon as they embarked into their canoes I became concerned because of their obvious lack of skill or understanding of the dangers involved. We did our best to give a few instructions and a warning about an especially dangerous section with a downed tree in the river.

Unfortunately they got a bit a head of us as we approached this dangerous section of river. I shouted a warning but they were too far ahead. Father and son got hung up on the branches. Mother and daughter grabbed a low-hanging branch and were both yanked out of their vessel. 

We headed for the opposite shore. As I reached for their lost canoe we tipped over. Lily was able to beach ours while I managed to capture theirs. Father left son hanging on for dear life to the tree in the water. He then got ashore and helped the women off the branch to the shore. Somehow I managed the strength to paddle across and up stream to rescue them to our side and assist Father to rescue his son. 

Then as we were all resting to recover two more large canoes came from up river heavally loaded with camping gear. We all yelled to wave them away from the snag to no avail. However, although they lost a lot of gear they were strong enough to keep their canoes and continue down river.

For me this story is like a parable that demonstrates the idea of the fear of the Lord. It is perhaps similar to a healthy fear of the river. The river is a great resource. The water provides life for many communities. It flourishes with fish for food and enjoyment. It provided us with recreation and pleasure. However, it demands a recognition of it’s power and respect for its nature.

In the Bible, the “fear of the Lord” is often described as the foundation of wisdom and a source of life:

Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.”

This reverence involves a humble submission to God’s will, aligning one’s life with divine commandments and principles, and acknowledging human limitations in contrast to God’s sovereignty. It’s a fear rooted in love, respect, and recognition of God’s majesty, rather than terror or dread.

Parables often operate on the principle of “How much more..” If a healthy “fear” and respect for the power of the river can bring us much enjoyment and a good life, how much more does the fear of the Lord? If we ignore the power of the river we may be headed for disaster. How much more are we in danger of the snags in the river of life if we ignore the commandments of God.

We might consider the 10 Commandments as warnings and guides. Live this way and things will go well for you. Watch out for that snag of envy and false testimony is a trap.

Think of a time when your lack of fear lead to danger in the world. 

Has there been a time when ignoring the commandments of God has threatened to drown your life?

What have been the consequences of your positive reverence for God?

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