## Gospel Fear
The Heart Trembling at the Word of God Evidences a Blessed Frame of Spirit
## by Jeremiah Burroughs
## SERMON I.
—And that trembleth at my Word. -Isaiah. 66.2.
The intention of the Holy Spirit, at the beginning of this chapter, is to redirect the people's hearts away from finding satisfaction in the magnificent temple they possess and the outward acts of worship they engage in. The Holy Spirit accomplishes this through two arguments presented at the start of the chapter. Thus says the Lord: "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What significance does it hold, then, that you have built such a glorious temple for my honor? I have no need for it, for my throne is in heaven, and the entire earth serves as my footstool. So where is the house you have built for me? Where is the place of my rest?"
Furthermore, not only does God have His throne in heaven and the earth as His footstool, but He has also created all these things. He reminds them that He is the one who has made the entire world.
They may consider the temple they have built as something grand, but in reality, God has created the entire world, and if He so desired, He could have made a thousand more worlds.
As for outward acts of worship, God wants to discourage them from finding satisfaction in these alone. Therefore, He informs them that when they rely on outward duties while living wickedly, it holds no more value to Him than the slaying of a man. He expresses His abhorrence through four illustrations: First, killing an ox is akin to killing a man. Second, sacrificing a lamb is like cutting off a dog's neck. Third, offering an oblation is akin to offering swine's blood. Fourth, burning incense is comparable to blessing an idol. These are strong expressions that reveal God's intense disapproval of outward services when accompanied by a sinful life. He provides the reason behind His stance—they have chosen their own way. As long as they persist in their own paths, their actions, no matter what they may be, are detestable in God's eyes. He will not regard their temple or their sacrifices.
So, what pleases God then? He answers this question in the second verse: "But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembles at my word." It is as if God is saying, "Regarding your magnificent temple and all your sacrifices, what do they mean when you choose your own ways?" God looks upon those who are humble, contrite in spirit, and tremble at His word. The glorious temple and all the sacrifices cannot compare to the value of a heart that submits to God and reveres His word.
But are there any impoverished souls, any contrite hearts who acknowledge their own sinful nature? Are there any broken-hearted sinners among you who tremble at my Word? This means more to me than all the sacrifices you can offer. Here we have three qualifications of someone whom God will pay attention to and consider: one who is poor, has a contrite spirit, and trembles at my Word. Such an individual is the one I look upon, delight in dwelling with, and take pleasure in. Firstly, it is a poor spirit, then a contrite
one, and finally, the one who trembles at God's Word. It is the third qualification that I wish to focus on: trembling at God's Word.
People of the world live extravagantly and possess cheerful spirits. As it says in Malachi 3:15, "And now we call the arrogant blessed." Your bold, joyful, and proud spirits are highly esteemed in the eyes of the world. However, if you want to know who is precious in God's eyes, it is the one with a poor, contrite spirit who trembles at the Word, those whom men despise. Who faces greater contempt from others than those with poor and contrite spirits whose hearts shake and tremble at God's Word? The bold and cheerful spirits of the world scorn being troubled by the Word. But God asks, "Is there anyone who trembles at my Word?" In a gathering as large as this, He searches through all to find if there is any impoverished soul who trembles at His Word. Such an individual is an object of special consideration to God.
May there be many such individuals in this congregation, even today, for God is looking among you. Oh, that He may find objects to gaze upon, those who are delightful in His eyes! And such individuals are those who tremble at His Word. Therefore, the doctrine we are to focus on is this:
Doctrine: A heart trembling at God's Word is highly esteemed in God's eyes.
To him I will look. Some translate it as "To that thing will I look." Oh, that's the thing I truly love to gaze upon—a heart that trembles in response to my Word. In the eyes of God, all the beautiful objects in the world are not as lovely as a heart that trembles at the Word. The Lord considers nothing in the world worthy of His gaze in comparison to this object. He looks upon it with great delight. He does not say, "To him will I look who does my Word, who obeys my Word," but rather "to him who trembles at my Word." As someone commented on this passage, there is often more godliness in the trembling of the heart than in the work of the hand. Many things
may hinder a true, gracious heart from carrying out God's Word. The heart may genuinely receive the Word and desire to do it, but various obstacles may arise between the heart and the action, hindering someone with a sincere heart from fulfilling it. However, as long as there is a trembling frame of heart in response to the Word, that is what God looks at. Physicians may consider trembling of the heart as a disease, but this trembling of the heart is the excellence of the heart and the joy of the soul wherever it is found.
In 2 Kings 22:19, we see the example of Josiah, a king who merely heard the Word of God being read, and his heart immediately began to tremble. His heart melted before the Lord. Oh, what a blessing it would be for kingdoms to have their kings possess such tender hearts! If God were to grant the great leaders of the world such tender hearts that tremble in the presence of God upon reading or hearing anything from His Word, it would be a great mercy. It is fitting for the greatest individuals in the world to tremble whenever they encounter the Word of God.
Now, in addressing this point, there are four things that need to be done.
Firstly, briefly show how the heart is affected when it trembles at God's Word—what it means to have a trembling heart in response to God's Word.
Secondly, explore what a gracious heart sees in God's Word that causes it to tremble.
Thirdly, distinguish between the trembling of a gracious heart and the trembling that may exist in a hypocrite. We find that even Felix himself trembled, and Scripture tells us that even the devils tremble.
Fourthly, the reason why God accepts such a heart, why it is so pleasing to God and why He looks upon it. These are the four aspects that need to be presented in the point, and they will lead to the application. The point is of great significance.
Firstly, in regard to the workings of the heart that trembles at God's Word, or to describe the frame of a heart trembling at the Word of God (I will briefly touch upon this because I will focus more on the second aspect): If you want to understand the nature of a heart's trembling at the Word, let me explain.
First, such a heart holds high, honourable, and reverent thoughts of God's Word, even if previously it was lightly esteemed. The Word of God was considered no different from other words, like passing wind. But now the soul holds very high, honourable, and reverent thoughts of the Word of God, with a profound appreciation for it. It regards the Word with solemn thoughts, realizing that it is indeed its very life.
Secondly, as a result, the soul attentively listens when the Word is either read or preached, regardless of how it is delivered. It eagerly attends to it and sets its heart upon it. As Moses said to the people in Deuteronomy 32:46, "Set your hearts to all the words which I testify among you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law." Why? Because it is not a worthless or empty thing for you; it is your life. Before, a person may have approached hearing the Word in an ordinary manner, simply to pass the time or to hear what someone had to say. But now, when God works this gracious frame in the heart, the soul sets itself to it as to its life, recognizing that it is not a worthless thing.
I see that my life is in it, and there is a reverent attention to the Word of God. Fear causes the eye to be fixed. When someone has a fearful apprehension of something, it causes their gaze to be fixed upon it. Similarly, when there are many among the audience who tremble at God's Word, it captivates their attention. Their thoughts are directed towards it in a solemn manner, and they dare not allow themselves to be distracted, not even with wandering thoughts or looking around. They are attentive, eager to hear what God has to say to them.
Thirdly, when such a person has heard the Word, they do not dare to dispute against it. It is true that one may examine the preached word, but not to dispute against it. Prior to attaining this trembling frame, the heart may be prone to rise against the Word and entertain objections and futile arguments. However, now that the heart trembles at it, it does not dare to cavil and object as it did before.
Fourthly, the heart that trembles at the Word considers it a dreadful condition to have the Word speak against them. It regards it as the greatest evil for the Word of God to be against them, to hear it speaking against them and proclaiming threats. Oh, this is an uneasy state! How can I eat, drink, or sleep peacefully when the Word of God is against me?
Fifthly, a heart that trembles at the Word receives every command of the Word with reverence and humility. It submits itself to the Word and does not resist any part of it, neither the commands nor the threats. It opens itself to receive and embrace whatever the Lord has to give. There was a saying of someone who declared, "Let the Word of the Lord come, and we will submit even if we had six hundred necks to place beneath it." Similarly, a heart that trembles at the Word does not resist it but willingly opens itself to receive everything the Lord has to offer.
Sixthly, even the promises in God's Word are received with trembling. This means that the heart apprehends the immense distance between God and itself, as well as its own unworthiness of the mercy extended through the promise. Though the heart takes hold of the promise, it does so with reverence and fear. Therefore, a heart that trembles in this manner at the Word of God is precious in God's eyes and receives His attention.
Now, what is it that a gracious heart sees in God's Word that causes it to tremble? Understanding this will help you sanctify the name of
God in many sermons to come. What God requires of all of you is that when His Word is sent among you, your hearts should not swell against it. Instead, you should receive it with a trembling frame of heart. Oh, the honour that would come to God and the benefit to your own souls if you were to receive it with a trembling frame of heart! I will show you the reasons why a gracious heart has cause to tremble at God's Word, what it sees in it. It is not out of weakness of spirit that it does so, but the Lord reveals it in His Word to the heart, leaving it no other option. In Judges 3:20, when Ehud came to Eglon, the King of Moab (a pagan king), he prefaced his message by saying, "I have a message from God for you." Notice how the king responded, he immediately rose from his seat in reverence for the Word that came from God. You should regard all the ministers of God who reveal His truths to you with great reverence. God cannot but take offense when He sees that even the most wicked person behaves irreverently towards his master, yet does not care about showing irreverence towards the Word of God. In Jeremiah 13:15, it says, "Hear and give ear; be not proud, for the Lord has spoken." If it is the Word of God, there must be no swelling of the heart against it. The greatest and most wicked pride of all is when people's hearts swell against the Word. Many of you may think that pride lies in clothing and appearance, but the greatest pride is when you rise against the Word. Many of you may think that there is no pride in your hearts, but how have you behaved when the Word of God has confronted your deepest corruptions?
First, it is the Word of God. He sees God in it.
Secondly, not only does he see that it is God's, but he sees an abundance of glory, majesty, greatness, and excellence of God that shines in His Word. The Lord reveals to this heart that there is an immense divine radiance and glory in the Word that it trembles at, which causes it to tremble. Among all things in the world, the Word of God contains the highest amount of God's glory. Though it is true that a soul, while in darkness, may not see any of this for a long time, when God's time comes to work graciously upon the heart, God
opens up to this heart a divine radiance shining in the Word that it has never seen before. This makes the heart stand in awe of it more than ever before. In Psalms 138:2, it says, "For you have magnified your word above all your name." Or, as some read it more fully according to the original text, "You have magnified your word above all your name; that is, the name of God is magnified above all things. Oh, the Word of God contains more of God's name than the whole world! Take heaven and earth, the entire creation combined, and they do not possess as much of the name of God as the Word of God does. There is more of God, a greater and more divine radiance in the Word of God than in heaven and earth.
And therefore, by the way, you may be convinced of a great deal of ignorance and darkness that has been in you all this while. If we believe this truth that in God's Word there is more divine radiance than in all the creatures in heaven and earth, surely you have been in the dark. I appeal to your consciences: have you seen this divine radiance? We know that there is much of the glory of God in all His works - in the heavens, the sun, the moon, the stars. We behold the glory of God shining there. And in the seas, those who go down into the depths behold the wonders of the Lord. Even on the earth, all creatures cry out to us to fear the Lord and to tremble before Him. It is an indication of a stubborn, wretched, vile, and hardened heart that does not tremble before the Lord as He appears glorious in His great works. Every creature cries out to us, "Oh, will you not fear the God who has made me?" Every creature calls out, even though you may have had a deaf ear until now, it calls out, "Will you not fear the God who has made me?" Yes, God Himself wonders that mankind does not fear Him upon considering the glory that shines in some pieces of His work. In Jeremiah 5:22, God asks, "Fear you not me?" Will you not tremble at my presence? God speaks in a way of admiration. He wonders that men have such hard hearts. "What? Will you not fear me, who has placed the sand as the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, so that it cannot pass it? And though its waves toss themselves, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they
cannot pass over it." God only mentions this one work of His. Oh, is there any bold, desperate sinner who will not fear such a God as I am, who does such a great work as this? And then again, in verse 24, the Lord mentions another work of His. God wonders that men do not say in their hearts, "Oh, let us fear God who gives rain! We see that we depend upon the God who gives rain. Oh, therefore let us fear Him." Now God expects that all His creatures who see this glorious work should reason in this way: "Oh, what a glorious God is this, at whose mercy we lie! Let us fear this God!"
Well then, if God wonders that men do not fear Him upon seeing His glory in these two works of His, then He may wonder even more that men do not fear Him in light of all those glorious names of His that appear in His Word. Now, a gracious heart begins to see this, which it did not see before, and therefore trembles at His Word.
Thirdly, it sees more. It sees not only a divine radiance, but also a most dreadful authority in the Word of God. It is not just the greatness, splendour, and glory that causes fear, but the authority. If we were to see a prince in his greatness, in his pomp, it would cause some fear. But when we consider the authority that he has over us, that is what truly instils fear. In Jeremiah 10:6-7, it says, "There is none like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is great in might. Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For to you it appertains," etc. See how fear is grounded upon authority. "O Lord, you have absolute and supreme authority over all nations of the world. Who would not fear you?" Certainly, this is the reason why people's hearts are so vain and indifferent before the Word of God, because they do not apprehend the dreadful authority within it. It has authority that encompasses potentates as well as the poorest individuals living on the face of the earth. It has authority over all other authorities. It has authority over the heart, over the soul. Nothing in the world has authority over people's consciences except the Word of the Lord, and that Word has authority. It has the authority to bind consciences, to awe and terrify men.
So, a gracious heart sees the great seal of heaven stamped upon every truth in God's Word and therefore dares not trivialize it as it did before. It approaches the Word either as a sovereign to receive laws or as a judge to receive the sentence of condemnation. It regards the Word as backed with such authority that it must either yield to it or be bound over to eternal death, with bonds that no power of any creature in heaven or earth can release. When a soldier is rebuked by a fellow soldier, it doesn't bother him much. But if the general speaks, who holds his life in his hand, then he trembles. Similarly, when people come to hear the Word as coming from a minister whom they consider their equal, they don't pay much attention to it. But a gracious heart, regardless of the minister, regards the Word as superior. Cyprian calls it the tribunal of the church because that is where people receive the sentence of death upon themselves. When the soul sees this, it cannot help but tremble at whatever truths are revealed to it. That's the third aspect.
But fourthly, a gracious heart trembles at God's Word because it sees infinite justice in it, the justice of God that threatens eternal curse upon every soul that does not obey it in every aspect. In Deuteronomy 33:2, it is called a fiery law, a part of God's law, the fiery law of God. We know how the law was given with great dreadfulness, as can be seen in Exodus 19. The mountain shook and trembled when the law of God was given. And God expects the hearts of sinners to tremble when they hear the law of God at any time.
But you may ask, "We are delivered from it, so why should we tremble?"
However, even though we have been delivered, there is still a reason to tremble because we were once under the law, and we deserved to be under it. We read about Moses himself, a godly man who was in Christ, yet in Hebrews 12:21 it says that the sight was so terrible that Moses, the servant of God, said, "I exceedingly fear and quake." This is especially true if the soul does not fully understand that it has been completely delivered from the guilt of sin. The conscience will testify
that the Word of God has an advantage over it. When Samuel came to Bethlehem, the elders of the town trembled at his coming, as mentioned in Ezra 16:2, it says, "The people sat trembling because of the matter." They had much guilt in them and knew that the Word had the advantage over them, so they trembled. It is important for everyone to tremble to some degree. That's the fourth aspect.
Fifthly, a gracious heart sees the Word of the Lord backed by infinite power. In Ecclesiastes 8:4, it says, "Where the word of a king is, there is power." Similarly, where the Word of the Lord is, there is power to fulfill it. In the latter end of Matthew 28, Jesus says, "All power in heaven and earth is given unto me." What follows? "Go therefore and preach." What can we observe from this connection? It implies that all the power in heaven and earth given to Jesus will accompany you while you are preaching His Word to fulfill the word that you preach. Therefore, whenever you hear any truth of God preached from His Word, know that all power in heaven and earth is sent forth to assist and fulfill it. Whether it is a threat to be fulfilled or a promise to be fulfilled, the power of God is at work.
In Isaiah 55:11, the Lord says that His Word shall not be in vain, it will not return empty, but in one way or another, it will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it. We may hope that God's intention in sending His Word to you has been out of mercy, but it will surely achieve some specific purpose that God has had among you. In Ezekiel 6:10, God declares, "They shall know that I am the Lord, and that I had not said in vain that I would do this evil to them." God wants every sinner to know that He is the Lord and that His words are not spoken in vain. It is as if God is saying, "If I am God, then My Word shall prevail and have an impact. All the power I possess will accompany My Word to fulfill it." We know from Matthew 5:18 that heaven and earth may pass away, but not one jot or tittle of God's Word will pass away. This reveals God's firm commitment to His Word. He would rather remove His power from upholding heaven and earth than withdraw His power from assisting His Word. If even one small truth (as you may consider it) has touched your conscience
and made you ponder, "If this is true, what will become of me?" Pay attention, for heaven and earth may pass away, but God's Word will always be fulfilled. The Lord would rather lose the entire world than lose His Word.
Sixthly, a gracious heart sees the radiance of God's holiness, and being aware of its own impurity, it trembles. In Psalms 99:3, it says, "Let them praise your great and awesome name; Holy is He!" The name of God is great and awesome, and it is great and awesome because it is holy. The Word of God is nothing less than a reflection of His infinite holiness. When the brilliance of His holiness is revealed, it strikes fear into their hearts. In Isaiah 6, when the prophet heard the seraphim crying out, "Holy, holy, holy," the text says that even the blessed prophet himself cried out, "Woe is me, for I am undone!" The mere mention of the glory of God's holiness caused the prophet's heart to shake and tremble. Now, if a godly person trembles in this way, how much more should the hearts of those who are impure and corrupt tremble at the Word when they come to realize that it is a reflection of the holiness of the infinite God!
Seventhly, there is another aspect that must not be overlooked, and that is the glorious, lofty, and divine mysteries that are revealed in God's Word, which cause a gracious heart to tremble. In the Word of God, there are wondrous, exalted, and awe-inspiring mysteries that are disclosed—mysteries that should be approached with trembling. It is more fitting for humble creatures to receive them with reverence than to attempt to unravel them through inquiries. Oh, the mysteries of salvation! They are of such infinite magnitude that they cannot help but instill trembling in the hearts of those who come to comprehend their glory. There is the mystery of election, redemption, the hypostatic union, the death of the Son of God, justification, reconciliation, adoption, sanctification, and glorification. These are mysteries to be revered due to their unfathomable depth, length, height, and breadth.
Junius, the renowned theologian whose works have been a great blessing to the Church, recounts his own experience. He confesses that he was an atheist before his conversion. However, on a rainy day, as he returned home and noticed a New Testament lying before him, he picked it up and began to read. He came across the first chapter of John, which is filled with majestic words. He recalls, "As I read the book, my body trembled, and my soul was immediately astonished. I was so overwhelmed with horror and amazement that I shook in every part of my being, and my heart trembled within me. I was in a state of confusion and astonishment throughout the entire day, not knowing where I was."
And this was the means of the conversion of that renowned theologian: when God allowed a few rays of the gospel to shine upon his heart through His Word, his heart was struck with trembling, and it became the instrument of his soul's conversion. How many times have you read that chapter and heard other mysteries of the gospel without being so deeply affected! When the Lord intends to show favour to a soul, He reveals some of the profound mysteries found in His Word.
I have heard of a godly man, a great scholar, who was in his study, deeply engrossed in contemplating the glory of God as it manifested in the arts and sciences. For indeed, various arts are nothing more than glimpses of God's wisdom. While pondering this, he was so overwhelmed that he fell upon his face. Surely, these glorious mysteries ought to cause us to bow down, adore, and tremble before the Lord even more intensely.
In heaven, it will be the grand occupation of the saints and angels to stand in awe and marvel at these splendid mysteries of the gospel. The soul not only trembles at the demands of strictness found in God's Word but also at the awe-inspiring mysteries contained within it.
Eighthly, furthermore, a gracious heart trembles at the Word because it finds it to be exceedingly effective and powerful. The Word is likened to a two-edged sword, remarkably alive wherever it goes, as stated in Hebrews 4:12 and onwards. "For the word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," and so on. The Word of God operates with vivacity, working within the soul with great swiftness, leading towards either heaven or hell. This is why it is a Word to be trembled at. It is not the same for people when the Word comes with power as it was before. In the days of ignorance, God overlooked certain things. Thus, in the very first commission that Christ gives to His apostles, to go and preach, He declares, "Go you, and preach the Gospel to every creature; he that believeth shall be saved; he that believeth not, shall be damned." You can see how prompt Christ is. If they come in and believe, even the greatest sinner of all shall be saved. Approach the most wicked sinner, if they come in, they shall be saved; if not, they shall be damned. The Lord deals with great swiftness with those who live under the powerful ministry of the Word. Therefore, when John the Baptist comes to preach, he declares, "Now is the axe laid to the root of the tree." Why now? Why not before? Because now John the Baptist has arrived among the people, and now their natural condition is being revealed to them, and they feel the Word speaking directly to their consciences. If they do not submit now, then the axe is laid to the root of the trees. They must not expect to go on as they did before. Perhaps they were old drunkards, habitual swearers, and they managed to escape consequences for a long time. But now they must not think they can continue to escape for long. Therefore, as the Apostle says, "The word is either the savour of life unto life, or else the savour of death unto death" (2 Corinthians 2:16). This may seem challenging to understand, so let us explain it a little further. He does not say that death comes to one and life to another, but rather the savour of death and the savour of life.
The meaning is this: It is derived from things that are so full of spirit and efficacy that even the very scent is enough to bring about life or death. If one were to encounter a medicine whose scent alone could revive someone from death to life, we would say it is a very potent substance, full of vitality. Well, the Word is so full of vitality that if it is embraced, it brings life through its very essence, but if not, it becomes the scent of death leading to death. Ambrose, in his commentary on the text, uses this expression: "They receive the Word as the Plague if they do not obey it." Just like the plague, the mere scent of it is enough to bring death. Similarly, the Word of God, when not obeyed, becomes like a plague to wicked and ungodly individuals, and its very essence destroys them. This means that when I come to hear the Word, I come to hear something so powerful that each sermon I listen to, I must expect to be either closer to heaven or closer to hell. If you have attended a sermon and left carelessly, without taking it seriously or reflecting upon it, ask yourself: Did this sermon bring me closer to heaven than before? If not, then you are closer to hell.
Ninthly, furthermore, it trembles at the Word because it recognizes that the Word determines everyone's eternal destiny. If you wish to know how it will be for you in eternity, if you simply examine the Word and pay attention to it, you can know. For the Word contains what determines the eternal fate of every human being. Therefore, the Word deserves great reverence. When a prisoner is being sentenced to life, they look upon those in power with a trembling heart, even if they know they are innocent and hope for a favorable verdict from the jury. However, when they look at the jury, they realize that these are the individuals who will decide their fate, and they cannot help but tremble. Similarly, if you understand the immense consequence of an eternal destiny, you cannot help but tremble. When you open the Book of God, you recognize that this is the book that will determine your eternal fate, so it is a Word to be trembled at.
Tenthly, yes, not only does it determine our eternal destiny, but it is also a probing Word that examines and scrutinizes us in the present. It delves into the innermost recesses and secrets of the heart, dividing between the marrow and the bones, and revealing the very thoughts within. When a wounded person has a surgeon examine their wound, they look upon them with a trembling heart.
And many can attest to it from their own experience. How often have I come to the Word of God and found it penetrating my very heart, reaching the depths of my soul beyond all superficiality, laying bare everything before the Lord. And oh, the trembling that follows for a long time thereafter. In 1 Corinthians 14:25, it is said, "And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed. So, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you." This is spoken of a poor ignorant man who enters a congregation, initially curious and in awe, but eventually realizes that the secrets of his heart are being exposed. In response, he falls down in reverence to God, worships Him, and acknowledges that God is present in that place. Similarly, many men and women, when they come to hear the Word, do so with worldly and empty hearts. However, when they discover that the Word scrutinizes them, enters into their being, wrestles with them, and confronts the inward and hidden disorders of their spirits, they are compelled to bow before the Word and proclaim, "Truly, God is in this Word." This experience causes sinners to humble themselves, and those with gracious hearts have encountered this effect through the Word.
Lastly, a gracious heart trembles at God's Word because it recognizes that it will be opened to judge them on the great Day. It examines and probes the soul in the present and will be one of the books opened to judge all humanity on the final day. In John 12:48, it is written, "He who rejects me and does not receive my words has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." The words you hear now will be called to account once again—every sermon you have heard, every truth that God has impressed upon your conscience will be summoned and will judge
you on the great Day. If you consider the Word as the arbiter of judgment on the final Day, it cannot help but make you tremble. Oh, if a gracious heart perceives the depth of meaning in the Word of God as has been revealed, surely there is ample reason for it to tremble at the Word of God. Let us not condemn those who tremble. Even if you do not tremble, do not be surprised, for God has granted them a vision that He has not yet granted you. But when the time of God's love arrives for your souls, you too shall see.
A few words of application: If this is true, then you should realise, firstly, how little you have understood the Word of God all this time! Oh, how little have I personally grasped of all that has been explained! Yet, there are some who see, regardless of what you do. Sometimes, even great scholars fail to see this, those with exceptional intellects. But perhaps, it is a poor servant who does see. "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth," says Christ, "that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children." Now, if you find that God has worked these things in your hearts and your hearts tremble at His Word, then praise God for it. This can greatly help you in facing other fears that you may have. Oh, we fear what malicious people can do! But if you fear God's Word, you need not fear anything else. But you may say, "I have much sinfulness and wickedness in my heart, and I find that I am unable to do what God's Word requires." This can bring you comfort in all your weaknesses. Even though you may not fulfill everything the Word requires, God knows that you have a heart that obeys His Word in some things as well as in others. The Lord accepts your trembling, even when you lack the ability to perform. "Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him," says God, "for those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. 'They shall be mine,' says the LORD of hosts, 'in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.'" If you fear God, now you have a promise that even with many weaknesses, God will spare you as one spares his only child who serves him.
Secondly, there are numerous sources of consolation.
Certainly, if you tremble at God's Word, you will be comforted, even if you may not find comfort at this moment. If the Word of God can make your heart tremble, it will bring you comfort. Wait for it. There is as much comfort in the Word of God for your soul as there was terror. Look at the chapter where my text is, verse 2: "I will look to him who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word." So, what will happen to them? Verse 5: "Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at his word." God repeats it because He loves it so. Are there any poor individuals whose conscience can testify, "Now the Lord knows that, despite my many weaknesses, He has instilled the awe and fear of His Word in my heart"? Your brethren, who hated you and cast you out for the sake of my name, will say, "Let the LORD be glorified." But He will appear to your joy, and they will be put to shame. Why does He speak of this comfort? Why does He say, "Your brethren, who hated you and cast you out for the sake of my name, will say, 'Let the LORD be glorified'"? Among these people, there were some who had tender consciences and dared not do the things others did. Therefore, their brethren hated them and cast them out. And it was not only notorious wicked individuals, but they said, "Let the LORD be glorified." They claimed to desire God's glory just as much as you. Yet, they cast out their brethren. But the Lord would comfort those who were cast out, those who trembled at His Word and refused to yield to the things others did.
Is it not the same today, my brethren? Some were willing to yield to anything to preserve their possessions and avoid trouble. But there were others who trembled at God's Word and would risk anything rather than go against the Word of God in any way. Now these individuals were thrown into prison, and the pretext was, "Let God be glorified." Now hear this: He will appear to your joy, and they will be put to shame. Oh, how this has been fulfilled.
Those proud individuals who were cruel in their oppression and cast out their brethren, yet the faithful ones gave up everything and
entrusted their cause to God. But in a short time, how God has appeared to our joy and their shame. The fulfillment of this scripture alone should make us cherish the Word of God. If our forefathers, who trembled at God's Word and endured much persecution, were alive to witness this fulfillment, it would be enough to astonish them and acknowledge God's goodness. They would exclaim, "The Word of the Lord is good, and the Lord is faithful to all His promises."
And whatever may be imposed upon you in the future, if anything is imposed upon you that the Word of God does not uphold, be cautious. One who trembles at God's Word dares not do anything that is not supported by God's Word. It will not be enough for you to say on the great Day of Jesus Christ, "Such and such great men did this and that, and they commanded me or persuaded me, so I followed their commands or examples." But someone who trembles at the Word of the Lord will not do so. Surely the Lord has individuals in this congregation who tremble at His Word. I can clearly see the serious intention you have towards the Word of the Lord that is being delivered. God looks upon those families and individuals in a parish who set such good examples, making it evident to others that their hearts are captivated by the authority of God's Word.
Whenever you come to hear, do not regard it as the word of men, but as the Word of God. Even if it seems harsh to you, know that it comes for your own good. And there is a reason you should do so. It is the Word from which you received your life, the immortal seed of the Word by which you were born again. I ask you, have you been born again or not? If you have been born again, it is the Word that has begotten you, and it is that Word which is the object of your faith for your souls and eternal state. Surely, it deserves your reverence.
Once again, the Word of God should be the foundation of all your prayers. Whenever you pray to God, if you do not base your prayers on the Word, it will be of little use. As David said, "Have mercy on me according to your Word." Furthermore, in times of affliction, the
Word should be your source of comfort. Therefore, it is crucial that you reverence it now.
Indeed, if your souls are to be saved, it will be through the Word. Therefore, be cautious not to despise it. Oh, it will weigh heavily on your conscience, both on your sickbed and deathbed! Fear the Word of God now!
You may say, "We will fear the Word of God," but is everything a person says considered the Word of God? We know that individuals hold different opinions.
To that, I respond, when something is presented in God's name, do not dismiss it lightly. Instead, test and examine it. Suppose someone comes to you with the official seal; will you say, "I don't recognize it as the official seal, so I won't obey it"? Doing so may cost you your possessions or even something dear to you. Similarly, when something is presented in the name of God, do not dismiss it without consideration. Rather, examine it and test it against the Scriptures to determine if it aligns with the divine standard.
I knew a gentleman who, upon returning home from a sermon, said, "Well, if what this minister says is true, then we are in a bad situation." Woe to the person whose primary comfort relies on the false belief that what they hear from the Word is not actually the Word. That individual is in a wretched state, having no other foundation for their comfort. However, you may ask, "Should we accept everything that is taught?"
No, not without discernment. In the book of Acts, they were commended for examining whether what Paul delivered to them was true. It is indeed commendable for people to scrutinise whether what a minister imparts is truly the Word of God.
Yet, some of us are poor and ignorant individuals, you might say.
Therefore, I want to address the most ignorant among you and guide you on how to distinguish the Word of God from other teachings.
Firstly, if you desire to know, approach with a heart willing to submit to what you come to understand. As stated in John 7:17, "If anyone chooses to do God's will, they will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own." If you have a heart surrendered to God, willing to obey, you will discern whether the doctrine being presented is from God or merely human. There is a promise—make use of it.
Secondly, plead this promise before the Lord. Find a solitary place, cry out to God, and implore Him to reveal the truth to you. Go and pray, saying, "Lord, I have heard certain things spoken, and it seems they are touching my heart, but I am feeble and ignorant. If it is Your Word, Lord, make it resonate in my heart."
Another rule to follow is this: if you are able to read, search the Scriptures. Seek out your neighbours and approach the ministers, striving to understand the reasons behind the teachings given to you. This applies even to the most ignorant individuals. They have no excuse unless they come with hearts surrendered to God and make use of every possible means to comprehend the Word of God. And when you attend sermons to hear the Word, endeavour to maintain a constant state of trembling in your hearts. The Word that you currently tremble at will, from that moment onwards, bring comfort to your heart.
## SERMON. II.
What the True Sanctified Fear of God and His Word is.
—And that trembleth at my Word. -Isaiah. 66.2.
I will not repeat anything, but rather reflect on other aspects of this significant and weighty matter that concerns us so closely.
The heart that trembles at God's Word is regarded with fondness by God; it is very pleasing in His sight.
But you may argue, "Even the devils believe and tremble" (James 2:19). In this regard, they surpass many miserable and audacious sinners, whom we will discuss in the application later. We also read about Felix, who was an infamous wicked man, trembling at the Word (Acts 24:25). As Paul reasoned about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled. Felix, a judge sitting on the bench, and Paul, a lowly prisoner at the bar. Yet, through his preaching on righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Paul made the judge tremble on his seat. This demonstrates the power of the Word. It is worth noting that in the preceding verse, it is mentioned that Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. It is curious why his wife is specifically mentioned here.
Interpreters refer to the Jewish story of that time, which tells us that Drusilla, Felix's wife, was previously married to another man. Because Felix was a man of great honour, she left her previous husband and even her religion to marry him. So now, the text says, "As he reasoned of righteousness," targeting Felix, a corrupt judge, "and temperance," addressing his immorality as a womanizer, "Drusilla, who was present, was a vile, wicked, unclean woman." Therefore, he spoke of temperance and discussed things that would strike closest to their consciences. And he also spoke of judgment to come, reminding the judge and his Delilah that both of them would one day stand before the Almighty God to give an account. Felix would answer for his injustice, and both he and Drusilla would answer for the filthiness in which they lived. This illustrates the Apostle's boldness. Although he was a prisoner, he spoke words that
would deeply affect those he addressed, knowing full well that he would provoke them both.
It is said that Felix trembled, but we do not read the same of his wife. In fact, if women give themselves to impurity, they become even more hardened. Felix, though a wicked and ungodly man, was compelled to tremble at Paul's preaching. Now, you may argue, "If even the devils tremble, and Felix can tremble, how does it prove that a heart that trembles at God's Word is so pleasing to God?" A poor trembling heart may say, "I'm afraid that my trembling and fear are only in response to the threat of God's Word. I hear about the coming judgment, and I tremble, but what does that amount to? It's nothing."
Answer: Regarding that, I respond: Nothing, yet that's something. Firstly, it is a sign that the Word has exerted more power over your hearts than before.
Secondly, it is something. It involves placing fear upon the right object, and that's significant. Even if there isn't a gracious principle to fully act upon that object as it should, setting fear upon the right object is still meaningful.
Yes, thirdly, trembling in this manner is somewhat significant. It can prevent a great deal of evil and keep you free from many temptations. Even the trembling of your heart can strengthen you against temptations.
Fourthly, it is even more significant because it may serve as preparation for additional good that God intends for you.
Objection: But you might argue that this could be the extent of it, and nothing more.
Answer: Yes, but first, understand that no one who has grace can be without this to some extent. Although some who have this trembling may lack grace, no one who possesses grace can be without it.
Objection: You might say, "Yes, it is possible for some to be brought to Christ without experiencing trembling."
Answer: To that, I respond, when a soul is brought to Christ, why does it embrace Him? Why does it believe in Him and rely upon Him? Is it not to reconcile the dreadful separation between God and the soul through Christ the Mediator? And can the soul be aware of this and not tremble? Certainly, it cannot help but tremble. Therefore, although it may be absent where there is no grace, where there is grace, this trembling exists.
Secondly, understand that this disposition of the heart (and even to this extent you have reached) is what God uses to work in those whom He intends to bring good to in the end.
Objection: But you may argue that some may have this trembling and yet not be saved. They may perish in the end, even though they have a degree of fear when faced with the threats in God's Word.
Answer: To that, I reply, it is true that there may be trembling in response to the threats in the Word of God, and yet the soul may fail to find salvation. Not only may it lack saving grace in the present, but it may never attain it at all. However, know that there is a significant difference between the trembling that God brings to a positive outcome and the trembling that ultimately leads to nothing.
I will demonstrate this distinction and then proceed to explain what true, sanctified trembling at God's Word entails.
But first, let's consider even the trembling at God's threats. There is a significant difference when you put together these four or five aspects that I am currently discussing. You will see a clear distinction between the fear that leads to nothing and the fear that God ultimately brings to something. Those who possess these five characteristics, when combined, exhibit a trembling that, I believe, has never failed to yield positive outcomes.
Firstly, when the trembling (although initially triggered by the threats in God's Word, it surpasses all other fears), I mean in terms of its intensity. Two factors contribute to the intensity of fear in the heart:
First, the magnitude of the evil.
Secondly, the difficulty of overcoming that evil.
If the evil is trivial, the heart disregards it. Even if the evil is great, if it can be easily avoided, the human heart tends to dismiss it. However, when these two factors are combined—an immense evil that is exceedingly challenging to avoid—the heart experiences fear. Now, the soul that is brought to trembling comprehends the breach between God and itself, recognizing the profound evil of sin as revealed in the Word, the greatest evil of all. It develops a new perception of the difficulty involved in reconciling with God. The Word reveals that establishing peace with God is an infinitely arduous task, and based on this understanding, the soul trembles with a fear that surpasses all other fears and trembling.
Secondly, (because we must not consider any of these signs in isolation) it is consumed by great fear to the extent that it justifies God. And here lies a significant distinction indeed, for if you only consider the magnitude of fear on its own, it may exist in some who may perish. But when you add to it the other aspect—that in this profound fear, when the soul trembles at what the Lord has revealed in His Word—the soul justifies God and His Word entirely. Despite the Word speaking dreadful things against me, the Word of God is just, and God is righteous in His Word. The soul humbles itself and justifies God in all the severity that He unveils in His Word against the sins of which the soul is conscious. When the heart reaches this point, it truly enters a hopeful condition. There are many who are compelled to tremble, but they resent God and complain about the justice of God and His Word. However, when the Lord strikes the
heart with fear and causes the soul to justify Him and His Word, then the soul is truly on the right path.
Thirdly, this heart not only fears the threats of God's wrath but also fears the evil of departing from God and losing His presence—the loss of communion with God, being forever cast out from the Lord, never to behold His face or experience His goodness. This is revealed in the Word, and the soul trembles at it just as it does at the concept of Hell. Many carnal hearts may tremble upon hearing about the threats of Hell and eternal fire, but for the heart to tremble at the thought of God departing from it and being rejected by the Holy and Blessed God—oh, that is a very positive sign when the heart trembles at this.
Fourthly, the heart trembles at the Word of God to such an extent that nothing can calm it, nothing can satisfy it except Reconciliation with God. When the heart is struck with this fear and trembling, nothing can satisfy it except being reconciled with God Himself. Whatever God may propose to it, it can never find contentment. Some may tremble at God's Word in times of sickness, but if they regain their health, they are at peace. They tremble in afflictions, but in prosperity, they are calm. However, the heart that is struck with the fear that God intends to bring it to good will never find peace in anything other than reconciliation with God.
Fifthly, this fear is not one that drives the heart away from God or causes it to resort to worldly solutions, nor does it lead to despair and fleeing from God. Instead, it is a fear that brings the heart to God, compelling it powerfully towards Him. The fear and trembling that result in despair or prevent one from entering God's presence are experienced by some reprobates, but the fear that drives the heart to God— the greater the fear, the more forcefully it propels the heart towards God—this is a good sign that this fear and trembling is genuine. So, when you consider these five aspects together—the fact that your fear is the greatest fear that overshadows all other fears, that you justify God in this fear, that you fear departing from God as
well as His wrath, that nothing can calm you except reconciliation, and that this fear does not push you away from God but draws you towards Him—I must say, where can an example be found of any soul that has failed in this situation? I won't claim that this very thing is saving grace, but I will say that in the Scriptures, whenever this work has been present, the Lord has taken the soul further. However, we have yet to explain what the trembling is that is presently acceptable in the sight of God, what the true sanctified trembling at the Word of God is, which only a gracious heart possesses.
To that, I shall answer with these points. It is indeed essential for our spiritual growth to understand the true sanctified work of fear in the heart, when the soul fears God and His Word.
What the true sanctified fear of God and His Word is:
First, it is an active fear in the soul. Please pay attention to this. By that, I mean that it is not a fear that is forced or imposed upon the heart. The Lord goes beyond that. The soul has an inner principle that drives this fear. What I mean is this: the Lord has enabled my heart to perceive something in His Word that makes me tremble, and I am grateful for it. I am glad that I am aware of the Word, that it has been revealed to me, and that it has evoked such a response in me. The heart now acts upon this fear and regards it as a mercy that the Word, which causes fear and trembling, has been revealed. It does not view it as an evil or a misery, as many people do when they hear the Word that makes their hearts tremble. They see it as a plague, and they may even express resentment towards the Word and the ministers who proclaim it, just as those possessed once cried out to Christ, "Have you come to torment us before the appointed time?"
They make every effort to push away the thoughts that may evoke this fear in their hearts. They believe that if they can rid their conscience of the Word that the Lord has impressed upon them through His ministry, then they will be safe. However, they become vexed and agitated because they cannot sleep peacefully since
hearing such a message. They cannot eat, drink, or go about their daily tasks calmly. They consider it a form of bondage and misery that their hearts are so sensitive to the Word of God. However, it is different for a gracious heart. The Lord causes fear and trembling in a gracious heart, and this heart blesses God for making it sensitive to His Word. It regards it as a favour from God and strives to maintain this fear and trembling within. It gathers whatever arguments it can to cultivate this fear in the heart. "Unite my heart to the fear of Your name" - you know it is the prayer of David and the Church. "Lord, you have begun to make me aware of the authority and majesty of Your Word. I am afraid that I will lose this fear. Lord, unite my heart to the fear of Your name. Lord, instil this fear in my heart." Just as it was said of Daniel (a passage I previously referred to on a different occasion), "My thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed, but I kept the matter in my heart." Yes, this was a sign of a gracious heart in that situation. Although the circumstances may differ from what we are currently discussing, it can still be applicable to us. How few people in this congregation (or any congregation, for that matter) act in this way? You may come to hear what is preached, and you cannot deny the truth of those things. They may be spoken in a convincing manner, causing your thoughts to trouble you and your countenance to change. Do you keep these matters in your heart? No, rather, your endeavour is to push them out of your heart. I recall hearing once about a very carnal and wretched man who, by chance, heard a sermon that strongly affected him. He confessed, "I couldn't get the word out of my conscience for an entire week after that man spoke." However, a gracious heart retains it in their conscience. This is true trembling when the heart is active. It is not a forced work, but the soul embraces these truths.
Secondly, as the soul is active in it, it is also made active by it. There is much significance in this. When fear strikes a hypocrite upon hearing the Word, they are often overcome by that fear. If they do not despair, they are still discouraged and disheartened, lacking the motivation to do anything. However, the fear of the godly is different. It enlarges their souls towards God and activates their hearts for
Him. It enables them to be ready for their duties and does not render them unfit, as the fear of the hypocrite does. We have a remarkable passage in Ezra 9:3 as evidence. "And when I heard this, I tore my garment and my robe, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down appalled." Observe how deeply troubled the righteous man was when he witnessed the disobedience to the Word of the Lord. He was astonished and greatly distressed. Then in verse 5, "And at the evening sacrifice I rose from my fasting, with my garment and my robe torn, and fell upon my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God." He proceeded to offer a gracious prayer. From this, we learn a valuable lesson: Souls that are struck with the fear of God and His Word in a godly manner are not hindered in their duties; instead, they are enlarged. It enlarges their hearts and makes them more active for God, even more so than before. Fear and enlargement can coexist. In Jeremiah 33:9, "And they shall fear and tremble because of all the good and all the prosperity I provide for it." In Isaiah 60:5, we find both expressions together, fear and enlargement. When the heart is struck with the fear of God, yet simultaneously experiences enlargement, becoming active and suitable for service, this is a sign of a gracious trembling that God accepts. God pays less attention to the horror that paralyzes and renders people unfit for service. Instead, He values the enlargement and readiness that make them fit for service.
Thirdly, this gracious trembling at God's Word is joined with love. It is a combination of fear and love. It trembles at the Word, yet it loves the Word. It remains committed to hearing the Word, even though it trembles. It stands by the Word, even if others speak against it. Typically, people who are feared are not loved; they are hated by those who fear them. However, a sincere disposition desires to be both loved and feared. An hypocrite may be brought to fear and tremble at God's Word, but they never love it. Fear and love do not coexist within them. They fear God's Word, but they hate it. They wish there were no such Word of God, and that it was not as strict and holy as it is. In other words, they wish God were not so holy, which is essentially wishing there were no God at all. Yet, a wicked
heart is so infatuated with its lusts that it would rather have no God at all than be without its lusts. This is exemplified in the case of Ahab. He trembled, yet he hated the Word of God and the prophet. The story of Ahab in 1 Kings 22:8 is well-known. When Ahab was going to Ramoth Gilead, he said to Jehoshaphat, "There is yet one man, Michaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord, but I hate him, for he never prophesies good concerning me, but evil." Jehoshaphat responded, "Let not the king say so." I mention this incident to compare it with Ahab's disposition in Chapter 21. Ahab admitted that there was one prophet of the Lord, but he said, "I hate him." However, towards the end of the chapter, when the prophet came to him to speak the Word of the Lord, Ahab was struck with fear and trembling. The text states that when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes, put sackcloth on his flesh, fasted, and went about mourning. This is the same Ahab who trembled at the Word of God and humbled himself, yet in the next chapter, he says, "There is one prophet of the Lord, but I hate him." Ahab trembled before the prophets of God, yet he hated them. In contrast, a gracious heart trembles at the Word of God and loves it. It rejoices in it as a good Word, especially directed to the individual. This serves as a third proof.
Fourthly, true fear and trembling at the Word is that which will settle the heart and strengthen it against all other fears. It will overshadow greater fears. But its virtue lies in its ability to fortify the heart and enable it to withstand all other fears. For example, a heart that trembles at the Word, though afraid at that moment, is not greatly afraid of outward losses and afflictions in the world. A notable example can be found in Habakkuk 3. There we see a prophet whose heart trembled greatly at God's Word when he heard it. In verse 16, he says, "When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice; rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself." You might think, "Surely Habakkuk was a very fearful man." However, you will discover that he was not a fearful man. He had a strong and courageous spirit, and this trembling at God's Word actually strengthened his spirit and made him courageous in the face
of outward afflictions. In verse 17, he declares, "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no food; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls." This refers to a dreadful famine and a dire situation. Yet, his heart, which had experienced such fear before, now fears none of these things. Many of you do not tremble at God's Word, but you tremble at the fear of any loss. You tremble at people, but not at the Word of God. However, true and gracious trembling at God's Word strengthens the heart against other fears. David also experienced this in Psalms 119:161. He says, "Princes have persecuted me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of your word." It is as if he is saying, "This is what will help me. Princes set themselves against me and persecute me unjustly, but my heart will stand in awe of your Word. The fear of your Word in my heart will prevent me from fearing the persecutions of the mighty in the world. I stand in awe of your Word." In other words, there are a group of cowardly individuals who may appear courageous in other matters, but when it comes to persecution, they will yield to anything. What causes them to do so? It is because their hearts were never struck with the fear of God's Word. But I do not fear greatly. Why? Because I have another fear in my heart that strengthens me against that fear. Therefore, this trembling at God's Word is what helps the soul overcome all other tremblings.
And by the way, do not think it is a difficult lesson to teach you to tremble at God's Word. What, does it bring fear to us? It brought peace at first. No, it is the way to cure you of all base fears. If you never fear humans, losses, afflictions, or troubles, then fear the Word of God and tremble at that. The more fear there is of God's Word, the less fear there will be of any creature in the world. It is the only way to free you from all fears whatsoever.
Fifthly, another characteristic is this: true and gracious trembling at God's Word is accompanied by joy. It is joined with love, as mentioned before, but joy is a higher degree. In the sanctification of the heart, there is a blessed mixture of love and joy. Just like in
exquisite works where gold, silver, and pearls are combined, making it beautiful, the grace of sanctification is a masterpiece. So it is with fear and joy. You are familiar with the verse in Psalms 2:11, "Rejoice with trembling." The soul trembles at the Word, yet it is glad that such a Word of God exists. The soul considers the Word of God to be its inheritance. We have an excellent scripture to support this in Deuteronomy 33:2, which says, "From his right hand went a fiery law." But pay attention to what follows in verse 40, "Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob." What? A fiery law and yet an inheritance?
Yes, even if it has great severity. Take note of verse 3: He commanded a fiery law, yet He loved the people. You must not think that when a minister preaches things that seem dreadful to you, it means he does not love you. Pay attention here, God gave a fiery law, and yet He loved them. People should sit with meekness, quietness, and humility at your feet, receiving your words, even if it is a fiery law. And then in verse 4, Moses commanded us a law, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob. Oh, even though the law is fiery, we consider it to be our inheritance in the law. Therefore, those who want to completely take away the law from us would be taking away part of our inheritance. Therefore, trembling and joy can coexist. In Psalms 119:162, we have a similar but more explicit verse: "I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil." If you were traveling and came across a great booty, you would rejoice. Well, a gracious heart can rejoice at God's word as much as anyone in the world who finds great spoils. Therefore, when we urge you to fear God's word, we are not enemies of your joy. The truth is, the only way to have true joy is to tremble at the word of God.
Sixthly, a gracious trembling is a habitual trembling: a trembling of the heart that is present in the heart as a habit, not only in sudden moments. Many times God strikes some sudden flashes of terror into the hearts of men and women, but they vanish and amount to nothing. But this trembling at God's word, which the Lord highly values, is a constant and habitual disposition of the soul. It is not
limited to certain instances of perceiving God's displeasure. Let God speak peace to the soul (please take note of this point), even if God speaks peace abundantly to this soul, it continues to tremble at the word of God. God's assurance of peace does not remove this disposition of the heart. Even when the conscience is most at peace, it still trembles at the word of God. Many people tremble at God's word during times of sickness and affliction, but as soon as they have tranquility and outward peace, their trembling disappears. However, a gracious heart trembles at the word of God even when the conscience is most at peace. It is an excellent indication of truth and genuine peace if you can experience this trembling when your conscience is most calm. We find an excellent scripture in Daniel 10:11: "And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright." Here was a message of abundant mercy to Daniel, and the Lord, through an angel, affirmed that Daniel was greatly beloved. The Lord sent the angel to instruct him according to His will. Pay attention, "For unto thee am I now sent." And when he spoke these words to me, I stood trembling. Despite receiving this testimony from God at that very moment, that he was a man greatly beloved, and the angel was sent to inform him that his prayer was heard, Daniel still stands trembling. He stands with reverence and fear before the Lord, ready to listen to His word. This is how it will be with a gracious heart. Even when there is the greatest testimony of acceptance from God, and when there is peace in the spirit, it still approaches the word and stands trembling before it.
Seventhly, and lastly, it is a fear that subdues the heart to the power of the word. It subdues the thoughts, opinions, conscience, will, and affections to the power of the word. It is the kind of fear that struck Saul's heart at his conversion in Acts 9:6. Here we see true trembling. He trembled and was astonished, saying, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" Regardless of my previous opinions, regardless of my past ways, and regardless of the stubbornness and obstinacy in my heart, Lord, no more, no more. You have struck my heart with fear. When God, through His word, strikes down the heart of a man or woman
and causes them to tremble as Saul did here, crying out, "Lord, what do you want me to do?" This is a gracious trembling, and the Lord pays special attention to it. Oh, the one who trembles at the word of God in this way is dear and precious in God's sight.
Now, you may wonder, why does the Lord have such a special regard for a trembling heart?
Why, first of all, it is because this disposition glorifies God's Word. When people come and listen to it with frivolous and vain spirits, and perhaps make jokes about it afterwards, and speak of it lightly, they dishonour the Word of God. But when the Lord sees a group of humble creatures coming to hear His Word and trembling before it, apprehending the truths I have explained to you, then the Lord sees His Word being honoured. God Himself loves to bestow great honour upon His Word, and therefore He loves those who honour His Word as well. In Isaiah 42, we read that He loves to make His law honourable. In verse 21, it says, "The LORD is well pleased for his righteousness' sake; he will magnify the law and make it honourable." Even if people may despise it, God will make His law honourable. The Lord loves to see His creatures magnifying and honouring His Word.
And are you someone who trembles at God's Word? You are, in a sense, assisting God in the great thing He delights to do. When a group of people glorifies God's Word, as we see in another instance in the Book of Acts where it says, "They glorified the word of God," oh, the Lord loves that. This disposition of the heart glorifies the Word of God, which is dearer to Him than anything except His Son. As Christ said, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but not one jot or tittle of my word will pass away." Now, you, who honour God's Word, oh, you are accepted in God's sight.
Secondly, this disposition of heart puts a great deal of honour upon God. His name is greatly sanctified when the heart trembles at His
Word. It shows honour to His wisdom, sovereignty, majesty, authority, and holiness.
The truth is, the Lord is more honoured by a heart trembling at His Word than by a heart trembling at any glorious manifestations of Himself in all His works. For instance, let's suppose the Lord comes and appears from heaven in glory, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and earthquakes. Imagine Him appearing as He will on the great Day of Judgment, with the heavens departing like a scroll and the firmament melting with fervent heat. At that moment, perhaps all of you would tremble in fear at the great Day of Judgment. However, my brethren, for a soul to tremble at God's Word glorifies God even more than trembling at His glorious manifestation on that day. Why? Because the latter is such a display of God's power that it would naturally elicit fear from us. But this trembling at His Word comes from a gracious and sanctified frame within the heart of a person. God considers Himself more glorified by this trembling than He will be on that day. Therefore, those of you who do not want to tremble with horror and despair on that day, tremble now at God's Word. If you do so, you need not fear that all those glorious manifestations of God will overwhelm your hearts with horror on the great Day of Judgment.
Why? Because God has already received the glory of His name through your fear of Him, even more than He would have received through any horror He could strike into you on the Day of Judgment. God says, "Why should I forcefully extract my glory from these poor creatures by instilling horror in them through a magnificent manifestation? For I have merely revealed myself to them in my Word, and their hearts have trembled and given glory to me." In Psalm 29, the Psalmist describes the voice of the Lord as thunder, portraying it as the most dreadful sound. God receives much glory through thundering and lightning, and by causing mighty oaks to quake and tremble. In Joel 3:16, it is written, "The voice of the Lord shakes the heavens and the earth." When God chooses to reveal His glory, He does so through His powerful voice. However, God receives
even more glory by shaking an immortal soul through His Word than by shaking the heavens and the earth. It is true that if God were to speak a single word, He could shake this building, heaven, and earth. But He would not receive as much glory by shaking them as He does through one immortal soul that trembles in the manner that has been explained to you. Oh, it is no wonder that God pays attention to such an individual, for His Word and even Himself are honoured and glorified by them.