The fundamental reason God commands us to observe the Feast of Tabernacles is to learn to fear Him always, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 14:23. While the rejoicing at the Feast is meant to brighten our faces, lift our spirits, and provide great joy, it is not merely for the sake of having fun. This rejoicing is intricately tied to the deeper purpose of learning to fear God. Additionally, in Leviticus 23:40, the command to rejoice appears within the context of living in temporary dwellings and remembering the pilgrimage of the children of Israel through the wilderness, further connecting the Feast to the lesson of fearing Him.

A unifying factor in the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles is God's faithfulness, which directs us toward a proper fear of God. Ancient Israel, despite rejoicing at the Feast, lacked this fear, focusing their merriment incorrectly and returning home unchanged to continue in idolatry, injustice, and unrighteousness. Their pretense at communing with Him was futile, as true fellowship would have instilled a greater appreciation of His faithfulness and a fear of God that would produce life changes. We learn to fear God because He is faithful, encompassing both negative and positive aspects. Negatively, His unchanging faithfulness means He will chastise, avenge, and judge, executing curses as surely as blessings, which should strike terror in our hearts if we contemplate sinning. Israel learned this through captivity due to their disobedience. Positively, as we witness more of His faithfulness in providing for us and working out His purpose, our regard, reverence, and deep respect for Him grow, intensifying our fear as we understand Him more deeply. The Feast of Tabernacles is a celebration of God's faithfulness. If we rejoice in His provision, protection, and guidance during this pilgrimage, we will be learning to fear God always.

The fear of God emerges from recognizing His immense worthiness and power, far surpassing our trivial, everyday choices. Realizing His willingness to help us along our sanctifying walk builds a sense of respectful fear, for we dare not make light of such a weighty gift so freely given. This fear is intertwined with worship, the act of reverent honor paid to Him, produced when we understand His character and worthiness. God has proven His credibility through creation and history, annihilating the notion that anyone or anything else deserves our worship. In Job 38-42, God Himself declares His absolute worthiness, challenging Job with displays of His control over creation, from laying the foundation of the earth to commanding the waves and guiding the lightning. He demands that any challenge to Him must be on His level, revealing our complete incompetence to grasp even the smallest part of His works. Through this, God shows He is not only capable of managing His physical creation but also His spiritual creation, assuring us that nothing is too hard for Him and nothing takes Him by surprise. Therefore, when we face trials or take leaps of faith, we can trust that He has evaluated everything, and even if we suffer or die for the faith, it is for the best according to His plan.

The fear of God undergirds the various elements of the Feast, serving as a unifying factor that ties them together through God's faithfulness. If we fear God enough to set aside our tithes throughout the year, we will not only have the means to attend the Feast, enabling us to learn to fear Him even more, but we will also witness His faithfulness in providing for us. Realizing the magnitude of God's blessings, which His faithfulness ensures, always gives us reason to rejoice. The temporary dwellings of the Feast remind us of God's providence in guiding Israel through the wilderness, reinforcing our understanding of His faithfulness and further teaching us to fear Him. This element also points to our own journey to a greater Promised Land, where God will faithfully bring us to a glorious destination beyond our own capabilities.

The Bible emphasizes the fear of God as a vital motivator for overcoming sin and fulfilling His purpose for us. This fear is not merely a natural emotion but a quality that must be learned, as David instructs in Psalm 34:11, teaching the children to fear the Lord. It is an essential attitude, distinct from worldly fears, spanning from mild apprehension to profound terror, driving us to serve Him with reverence and trembling, as urged in Psalm 2:11. God desires this fear in us, not to distance us, but to remind us of His supreme nature, far beyond human understanding, as He declares in Isaiah 55:8-9. Even alongside love for Him, this fear must persist, ensuring we remain aware of His greatness and our obligation to honor Him. Paul reinforces this in Philippians 2:12, urging us to work out our salvation with fear and trembling, highlighting the seriousness of our journey with Him. This fear of God is not replaced by love but works hand in hand with it, fostering boldness against worldly fears while maintaining reverence for Him. It nurtures a deep desire never to sin, to avoid dishonoring Him, and to preserve the sacred relationship He has initiated with us. Rooted in awe of His creative power and goodness, as evident in creation itself, this fear instills a humble gratitude for His attention to us, driving us to strive to be like Him in all we do.

Fear is the enemy of all God's firstfruits and all God's people. We cannot fear men, governments, wars, riots, food shortages, or diseases like COVID. Instead, we are called to fear God above all else. When we fear God and strive to do what is right, God is with us, comforting and caring for us, ensuring that things go well with us if we honor Him. Many of God's people, however, fear worldly things more than they fear God. Some fear their unconverted mates, leading to struggles with tithing, keeping the Feast of Tabernacles, or avoiding pagan holidays. Others fear college professors or high school teachers, causing them to shorten their observance of the Feast to only a few days due to concerns about grades or careers. Over the years, brethren have feared their bosses or employers more than God, working on the Sabbath or missing the entire Feast of Tabernacles out of fear of losing their jobs. Last year, fear of COVID led some within the greater churches of God to forego keeping the Feast of Tabernacles altogether or to observe it in ways that did not fully align with God's Word, such as streaming services from temporary dwellings like hotels or rented rooms. In contrast, there are inspiring examples of those who feared God more than man and sought to live by every Word of God. Carol Ford, despite terminal cancer, never missed the Feast or Sabbath, putting God first no matter her health or circumstances. Geoff and Susan Preston made tremendous sacrifices, enduring financial hardship and grueling travel from Australia to attend the Feast, demonstrating their fear of God over worldly concerns. Gary Garrett, battling cancer, attended the Feast despite his grave illness, risking his life to honor God's command. Tiffany and Derek Schulte traveled a long distance for the Feast while Tiffany was near delivery, and she gave birth during the Feast, yet still brought her newborn to services for the Blessing of the Little Children just hours later. The Fletcher family, facing severe health challenges with Carol's stroke and Dan's heart condition, consistently attends Sabbath services and the Feast, showing unwavering commitment to God. A family in Northern Ireland, amidst a war zone, braved military roadblocks every Sabbath to attend services, undeterred by danger. John and Evelyn Ritenbaugh, despite age and illness, set an example by attending most Sabbath services and the Feast, even during COVID. Lastly, a wife of 51 years, despite kidney failure and the challenges of dialysis, never missed the Feast, trusting God to work out the details. Fear of man and worldly pressures can lead us astray, but fearing God and living by every Word of His is our true calling. When we put God first, He promises great blessings. We must not let fear of man, governments, wars, riots, teachers, bosses, or mates overshadow our fear of God. Our job is to fear Him and live by every Word of His.

We are here to learn to fear God, for this is the very purpose of our gathering at the Feast of Tabernacles. Fearing God is something special, as He has called us out from among billions for a unique purpose—to learn to fear Him so we can be used in a future time. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, designed to produce a response, a reaction, and a result within us. Fearing God means to hold Him in such reverence, awe, and respect that we voluntarily measure every action, attitude, feeling, and thought against His law and teaching. This fear equates to obedience, as seen in Abraham's compliance with God's request, and in the selection of leaders who fear God, love truth, and hate covetousness. Concerning the poor, we are not to take interest or profit from them, but rather fear our God and obey Him. The Feast of Tabernacles is a wonderful place to put this fear into practice by showing forgiveness, love, kindness, consideration, and thoughtfulness to each other and to the local community. As we choose to fear God, He chooses us to help Him in the most awesome responsibility ever given to His people—to actively participate with God the Father and Jesus Christ in rebuilding the earth and the salvation of mankind. This season pictures a time when we will see and participate in the remaking of the earth, helping God to deal with mankind as they, in turn, learn to fear Him. Now is our time to learn this fear, for the Millennium will be the time for the world to learn to fear and obey God. Ultimately, the gift that God has desired for 6,000 years is for His people to fear Him, and at last, this gift will be realized. We, together with God the Father and Jesus Christ, will have a part in bringing this to pass. As God has instructed in Deuteronomy 14, the Feast of Tabernacles is for us to take the messages, experiences, and lessons to heart, making the needed changes to become kings and priests of God, helping His people. True fear of God is to live as if continually in His presence, leading to right decisions, proper relationships, and many blessings. So, let us set our hearts to learn to fear God, that we may participate in the restoration that is on the horizon.

The fear of God is a vital and fundamental aspect of our relationship with Him, not to be softened into mere respect, reverence, or awe, but understood as encompassing dread, fright, and terror. It is the beginning of knowledge, as Proverbs 1:7 declares, carrying connotations of a powerful, holy God whose judgment should not be taken lightly. This fear is essential, for without it, we risk treating God as negligible, showing contempt through our conduct, even if not in words, as warned in the New Testament. God sees through our pretenses and will judge His people, emphasizing that Christians bear a greater responsibility to fear Him, knowing that much is required of those to whom much is given. Jesus Christ Himself instructs in Matthew 10 that we are to fear Him who can destroy both body and soul in hell, highlighting that this fear is tied to escaping the judgment of gehenna fire. This fear of God liberates us from the fear of man, which is a snare, as Proverbs 29:25 states, because the worst that men can do pales in comparison to God's omnipotent power over life and death. The awe-inspiring revelation of God at Mount Sinai, with its terrifying earthquake and consuming fire, underscores that encountering His presence is dreadful, yet even such experiences did not prevent ancient Israel from perishing in the wilderness due to their lack of sustained fear. This godly fear has a spiritual dimension, not reliant on sensory perception but involving an element of terror, as seen in the reactions of godly men like Moses and Isaiah when confronted with God's presence. Isaiah 8 further illustrates that God should be our dread, not worldly powers, for failing to fear Him leads to stumbling, while fearing Him makes Him a sanctuary and place of safety. Hebrews reinforces this, urging us not to be complacent but to be sorely afraid, for failure to reach the Kingdom of God is life's supreme disaster, and fear motivates strenuous effort to react and avoid such loss. God desires not just fear but a reaction that considers Him, His Son, His purpose, and sin in every aspect of life, until His way is ingrained in our hearts. The fear of God does not come naturally; it must be learned and is the essence of true religion, instilled by God as a gift through His calling. This fear compels us to react rightly, turning to Him as a refuge to escape the consequences of sin, even if initially driven by a desire to save ourselves from the Lake of Fire. Proverbs 1:7 establishes the fear of God as the chief part of knowledge, fundamental to wisdom and understanding that lead to eternal life, not mere worldly knowledge. Without this fear, knowledge becomes an instrument of destruction, as seen in the world today. The lack of fear in Adam and Eve led to their sin, as satan removed their dread of consequences, unleashing pain on mankind. The fear of God puts all other fears into perspective, guiding us to fear the right things and live wisely. Ultimately, the fear of God is to hate evil, pride, and arrogance, leading to a godly life of departing from sin and submitting to His way. It is a choice, a moral stance, and the foundation of true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, without which life's direction and purpose become blurred. Fearing God is essential to godly character, bringing abundant blessings and forming a crucial part of the salvation process as we choose to fear Him amidst carnal fears.

We must learn to fear God, for it is not an instinct or something inherent within us. This fear begins only when God calls us into a relationship with Him, as a degree of knowing Him is essential to rightly fear Him. David reinforces that we must be taught this fear, as seen in Psalm 34:11. The fear of the Lord is a cornerstone of Christianity, alongside faith, hope, and love, binding the foundation upon which the entire superstructure rests. It is a primary motivator for growth and a true witness for God. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge concerning God's purpose and will, as stated in Proverbs 1:7. It is not something we possess by nature but is crucial for growth in God's way. His Feasts are designed for instruction in trust, vision, affection, submission, and a deep, abiding respect, which is the fear of the Lord, all aimed at enhancing our relationship with Him and fulfilling His will. Isaiah 33 highlights that a holy fear of the Lord is the key to unlocking the treasuries of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge, paralleling Solomon's words in Proverbs. This fear is not negative but essential, and its intensity should grow as we progress in our journey with God. Hosea 4:6 indicates that God's people were destroyed for lack of knowledge, suggesting they did not fear Him, since fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. In Hosea 3, it is evident that the fear of the Lord, alongside seeking Him and recognizing His goodness, is something Israel will embrace upon conversion after Christ's return. Unlike fears we flee from, the fear of the Lord draws us to Him, leading to deeper knowledge of God. Noah, as mentioned in Hebrews 11, was moved by fear to obey God's commands, showing that this fear is a vital motivator in a Christian's life. The word "fear" itself carries many shades of meaning, but the fear of the Lord inclines us toward fellowship with Him, encompassing awe at His greatness, respect for His Fatherhood, and obedience due to His sovereignty. It is entirely good, unlocking the treasuries of God. Leviticus 10 recounts the tragic fate of Aaron's sons, struck down for disrespecting God by failing to honor Him as prescribed. Their lack of fear led to swift judgment, demonstrating that God shows no partiality and demands honor from those who come near Him. We must approach Him on His terms, recognizing His separateness as Creator, for His purpose will not be fulfilled if we operate on our own terms. Respecting God, or fearing Him, is the doorway to all the blessings He offers. Without this respect, we cannot draw close to Him, as He does not come where He is not reverenced. This principle of reciprocity means that if we do not respect Him, He will not draw near to us. Our difficulty in fearing God often stems from not being able to see Him, compounded by a culture that diminishes respect and formality, subtly influencing our approach to Him. Human nature seeks the lowest effort, but God requires deep respect, even for offices held by unworthy individuals, because respecting those positions honors Him who established them. The fear of the Lord is directly tied to knowing God, which begins only when He initiates the relationship. Without truly knowing Him as Father, Sovereign Ruler, Healer, Forgiver, and Provider in every facet of life, we cannot offer the respect due to Him. When He came as a man, those who should have recognized Him did not, because they lacked true knowledge and fear of Him, leading to His rejection and death. This illustrates why the fear of Him must be learned through experiential living with Him, not merely from books or others' concepts. Adam and Eve, despite seeing God, disrespected Him by rejecting His counsel for the serpent's, showing no honor or obedience. Similarly, Israel, after being freed from Egypt and entering a covenant with God, quickly turned to a golden calf, worshipping Him according to familiar human precepts rather than His true nature. Such examples reveal h

The fear of God carries an edge that keeps us from becoming too comfortable, ensuring we remain mindful of His presence and will. It spans from sheer terror to a deep, abiding reverence, acting as the first line of defense against profaning His name or tarnishing the image of His church, and protecting us from pain or death. This fear enables faith, hope, and love to flourish by prompting us to depart from evil, thus drawing us closer to Him as He sees our respect and reciprocates with nearness. God desires to be feared solely, and He will employ whatever means necessary to instill this fear, even if it means bringing us to a place of trembling to gain our attention. He does not wish to take His children in that direction, but He possesses the power to do so if needed, as He will with the world through tribulation and shaking the earth mightily. For those who lack this fear, especially among leadership or within His church, consequences await, as they will come to fear Him through His judgment, which is delayed but not denied. This fear is not static; it evolves, much like a child's growing respect for parents, from initial dismissal to profound appreciation through experience. It is linked with valuing what is precious, as seen in relationships like marriage, where honoring a spouse reflects a fear of loss, paralleling our relationship with God. The value we place on our connection with Him—through access to His throne, forgiveness of sins, and the hope of eternal life—drives us to maintain and nurture it, fearing its loss with an ever-present edge. The fear of God draws us together with Him and with each other, compelling us to hold fast to His will, keep His commandments, pray, study His Word, and encourage one another. Neglecting this fear leads to withdrawal from fellowship or disrespect for what His Son accomplished, risking His reciprocal withdrawal. Conversely, for those who fear Him, valuing all He has done, He offers an endless stream of spiritual blessings and grace. This fear must be balanced with love to avoid perversion of either, preventing familiarity or taking His power for granted. It is not immature but essential alongside love, hope, and faith, working together through a lifelong learning process about Him. The fear of God equates with submission, honoring Him, and departing from evil, unlocking treasures such as insight, protection, mercy, peace of mind, satisfaction, riches, and honor to those who walk in His ways.

In the context of our gathering for the Feast of Tabernacles, we are commanded to rejoice, yet we are also reminded to learn to fear the Lord our God. This fear encompasses a range from reverential awe to sheer terror, reflecting the sobering reality of standing before Him. As we come together in celebration, this balance of joy and fear shapes our purpose, reminding us of the profound respect and awe we owe to Him while we rejoice in His presence and commands.

The fear of God holds a profound significance in drawing us closer to Him, contrary to the instinct to flee from what we fear. This fear is not a negative force but a beneficial one, fostering unity among those who respect His Word. Those who tremble at His commands, who wait patiently as He instructs, demonstrate a commitment that aligns them with His will, becoming a step toward bearing His image. People who lack this fear tend to drift away from Him, while the fear of God pulls us toward Him, enhancing our reverence and preventing us from taking Him for granted or growing contemptuous. It serves as the first line of defense against sin, restraining us from foolish actions and enabling love to flourish. Without this fear, love remains limited, for we serve what we fear, and fearing God ensures our service to Him over the desires of men. The absence of fear in figures like Ananias and Sapphira led to deception and dire consequences, as their desire for human praise overpowered their respect for God. Their story, along with others, shows that fearing men rather than God results in serving human approval, often at the cost of truth and integrity. In contrast, the fear of God instills a holy respect that prevents such deceit, as seen in the great fear that came upon the church after their judgment, prompting self-reflection and a renewed awareness of His holiness. This fear is not to be cast aside as immature but works in harmony with love, buttressing its expression. It is the key to the treasures of God, essential for molding us into His desired image. It is not a weakness but a vital quality that keeps us from sinning, ensuring we do not disregard His commands as trivial. The fear of God, as a positive attribute, motivates us to avoid evil, aligning our actions with His will, for if we truly fear Him, we will hate sin as He does. Even in times of spiritual weakness or dim revelation, God's patience with us does not negate His judgment. The fear of God reminds us that His judgment, though sometimes delayed, is certain. It keeps us mindful of His terror, as even great servants like Paul acknowledged, knowing the terror of the Lord and persuading others accordingly. This fear, balanced with love, draws us to Him, ensuring we strive to please Him in our conduct and attitudes, safeguarding our relationship with Him.

The fear of the LORD is a profound principle, defined in Proverbs 8:13 as hating evil. This fear is not merely a passive aversion but an active opposition to all that is contrary to God's intent and detrimental to life and liveliness. Those who truly fear God instinctively loathe elements that harm, even if the damage is not immediately apparent, such as the glorification of evil seen in cultural practices like Halloween, which Scripture deems wicked in the sight of the LORD. The fear of the LORD, as described in Proverbs 9:10, is the beginning of wisdom, producing understanding and guiding one toward eternal life through knowing the Holy Ones, the Father and the Son. This godly fear fosters a life of spiritual wisdom, characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, and good fruits, all of which stand in opposition to evil and the harm it causes. It equips a person to make sound choices, exercise good judgment, and understand cause and effect, ultimately teaching how to live eternally as God does. Moreover, the fear of the LORD compels a hatred for pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverse speech, as Wisdom itself despises these traits that lead to harm. This reverence for God drives believers to separate from what defiles and to perfect holiness, aligning with His nature by loving what He loves and hating what He hates. As one grows in His image, the fear of God reveals personal flaws and defilement, fostering a deep aversion to the evil within and a desire to avoid causing misery to oneself or others.