Exodus 15:11

Devotional Thoughts

By David Wilkerson

A revival of praise and worship is now being proclaimed among many charismatics and evangelicals. Yet something has been missing from all this talk of praise — and that is the sobering fear of God. "Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises" (Exodus 15:11).

David shows us clearly what has been missing: a trembling in His presence! "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling" (Psalm 2:11). This last-day church will come before Him, hearts cleansed and repentant — and like Moses they will make haste to worship.

The Puritans had this saying: "Joy commonly turns to vanity in the heart." This is true when our joy does not spring forth from repentance. We want the gladness without the awe, fear and seriousness.

I have witnessed what some have called "joy celebrations" — flying banners, marching, and loud, happy singing. But underneath, it had no foundation of the glory of His holiness. It was fleshly, not at all the spontaneous outpouring of a work of God in the soul. It was more of a cheering session — cheering for a Jesus who was not feared.

True, we are commanded to serve Him with joy and gladness; this appears throughout the Word. But there is also a tendency in the church to spill over into lightness, vanity and silliness, and to lose the fear of God by not wanting to be serious or tremble before Him. I believe what is coming, though, is a worship so pure, so full of Jesus, it will smite all with conviction for any hidden sin!