SA27 - Why Should We Fear Jehovah?

In the capital city of Bregna lived a boy named Stephen, an unfortunate soul who as a young child was plagued by loneliness. His sincere efforts to befriend others were met with mockery and exploitation. The children at this school, whom he attempted to connect with only saw him as an easy target for their taunts and pranks, causing Stephen to withdraw further into his shell.

One particularly gloomy afternoon, Stephen mustered the courage to join a group of children playing in the schoolyard, hoping to finally be embraced by their camaraderie.

Excitement filled the air as the game began, but it wasn't long before the atmosphere shifted. Amid bubbling chatter, the group of kids turned their attention away from Stephen, their expressions morphing into humiliating laughter and what started as an innocent game swiftly devolved into a cruel prank, leaving Stephen disheartened and covered in a mixture of embarrassment and frustration. The giggling erupted like a discordance of off keyed instruments tunning themselves prior to striking a unanimous chord, their laughter disturbingly piercing through the air as Stephen's heart sank. With shame and humiliation burning in his cheeks, he quietly retreated from the scene, his longing for acceptance further dashed against the realization that his company was unwanted.

Fortunately, Stephen found solace in the untamed beauty of the outdoors. He often sought refuge in hiking and fishing along the serene river that demarcated his country from its neighboring country. As he cast his gaze across the water, he couldn't help but wonder about the existence of a different life on the opposite shore, a life where he might finally find the acceptance he craved.

One fateful day, as the sun's golden rays danced upon the water's surface, Stephen's path intersected with that of another person. A stranger, yet oddly familiar, the newcomer bore a name: Phillip. Though they shared certain similarities, like height and age, their backgrounds were worlds apart. Unlike Stephen, Phillip cautiously mentioned he hailed from a prominent family who’s lineage tracing back to royalty. Phillip usually chose to conceal this privileged identity, for he understood that revealing it would skew the dynamics of any potential friendship, potentially tainting it with ulterior motives, but despite his reservations, he could see that Stephen was different.

The two boys recognized the importance of authenticity and mutual support in forging a genuine bond. Unlike the opportunistic peers Stephen had encountered before, Phillip saw Stephen as a bosom buddy who valued companionship for its true worth. Phillip was impressed by Stephen's unwavering loyalty, brutal honesty and his sincere concern for their friendship's integrity.

In the gentle embrace of the afternoons, Stephen and Phillip found solace by the river's edge. Armed with their trusty rods, sturdy nets, a stainless steal spear and a well-worn canoe, they navigated the tranquil waters with an ease born of friendship. Their conversations flowed as freely as the current, ranging from the profound to the whimsical. They pondered the intricate web of subjects such as their existence, delving into the enigma of life's purpose and the myriad shades of human experience. With the empire as their backdrop, they examined its details, dissecting power dynamics, societal structures, and the interplay of cultures. As the sun cast its golden hues upon the water, their discussions wove together the threads of their own lives with the fabric of the world around them, creating a bond that mirrored the beauty and depth of the river that united their relationship.

As time passed, Phillip confessed that he was indeed the king's son and would one day very soon ascended the throne, becoming King. Remarkably, the newfound royal status did nothing to alter the bond between the two friends. If anything, it strengthened their connection. Stephen observed in Phillip a ruler who genuinely cared for his people, a monarch driven by empathy, compassion and wisdom rather than blind power. Phillip, in turn, continued to cherish Stephen's companionship for its dedication, not the superficial benefits it could bring.

A steadfast advocate of the monarchy's benevolence, Stephen became a voice that resonated throughout the land. With his own experiences as a foundation, he urged citizens everywhere he went to cultivate a unique kind of fear — a respectful awe for the monarchy's role in their lives. This fear, he believed, wasn't born from coercion, but from an understanding of the kingdom's essential contributions. He painted a picture of this fear as a binding force, one that drew them closer to the heart of the empire, nurturing a profound appreciation for the safety, security, and boundless provisions it provided. Stephen's words were a reminder that this fear was not a shackle, but a beacon guiding them to cherish and safeguard the peaceful legacy of their kingdom, ensuring that their loyalty would never waver in the face of challenges.

Stephen's deep-seated fear of losing Phillip's friendship became a testament to the authenticity of their relationship. This fear wasn't rooted in the looming shadow of Phillip's status, or the material benefits he could receive, but rather in the profound connection they had forged. Through their unwavering companionship, Stephen imbibed Phillip's values, adopting his loves and aversions. He stood firmly beside Phillip, navigating the treacherous waters of politics and power struggles, unfazed by the turmoil that often enveloped the kingdom.

Stephen marveled at Phillip's transformation into a compassionate and wise king. What impressed him most was Phillip's unwavering commitment to fostering an environment of open dialogue. With a heart attuned to the needs of his people, Phillip welcomed even the most disgruntled voices to publicly air their grievances. Stephen saw this as an embodiment of true leadership — an invitation for citizens to unburden themselves without fear of reprisal. The act of sharing frustrations became a cathartic release, a way for the citizens to cleanse their hearts of resentment. This gesture didn't push them away; instead, it drew them closer to both the King and his kingdom. They felt seen, heard, and understood, their loyalty deepened and their respectful fear of the King increased because they recognized that he cared about their concerns. Stephen reveled in this dynamic, observing how the simple act of listening not only bridged gaps but also forged an unbreakable bond between the ruler and the subjects.

This unbreakable friendship had a profound impact on both Stephen and the kingdom. As an ambassador of sorts, Stephen displayed the true extent of Phillip's generosity and wisdom to the citizens, spreading the message that true strength lay in authentic connections and empathy. The healthy fear of displeasing the King turned into a foundation for wisdom, guiding the actions of the kingdom's inhabitants. The bond between Stephen and Phillip remained steadfast, an unshakable pillar in a world fraught with change.

Like the relationship between Stephen and Phillip, if we have a proper fear of God, not only do we love Him, but we don’t want anything to happen that would hurt our relationship with Him. Jesus had this kind of godly fear. He didn't feel scared of God in a bad way, instead, he had a strong love for Him and wanted to do what Jehovah said. Just like Jesus, we have a lot of respect and awe for God because He is loving, smart, fair, and strong. We also know that God loves us a lot and cares about how we listen to Him.

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.