Trembling and Terror

Daniel 8:17

“As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate.”

Matthew 17:6

“When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.”

Matthew 28:4

“The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.”

Being in the very close proximity to the Holiness and Power of God can fill us with terror.

In Matthew 17:6 above, the Greek word translated as “terrified” has different meanings depending on the context. For example, it can mean to fear, to be afraid, or alarmed; which are contexts that are an impediment, or hindrance, to faith and love. In other contexts, it means to reverence, respect or worship; which indicates a proper fear of God. I recommend you read Daniel 10:7-11 where you will see the effects of the Presence of the Angel of the Lord on some men with Daniel, and on Daniel himself.

Depending upon where one perceives they stand with God, they may be fearful, afraid or alarmed; and even run and hide. These, I think, would be natural reactions of unbelievers. True believers, however, may shake, tremble and fall to their knees, but I suspect it would be more out of reverence, respect and worship; perhaps even physical weakness in the face of great power.

In services where the power of God fell among the people, I have personally seen both sets of reactions. I fell to my knees, bowed myself as low as I could, and worshiped.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Consider how you will react when confronted with your Father’s Anointed Presence.

Dive Deeper: Study Matthew 28.