Job 13:11 states, "Shall not his excellency make you afraid? and his dread fall upon you?" This thought-provoking question bravely posed by Job serves as a poignant reminder of the attitude in which we should approach our Creator. In a world filled with distractions and a misconception of God's character, it is essential to take a pause and truly reflect upon the majesty of God, His omnipotence, and the appropriate response that our stance should elicit from us.

Job's plight underscores the core tenet of our faith: the necessity for a deeper understanding of who God is. Job, a man known for his righteousness and devotion, found himself in a tumultuous situation where he wrestled with the great mysteries of God’s workings. Despite his suffering, Job remained acutely aware of God's excellency - His holiness, sovereignty, and power. He sensed that engaging with God, especially in times of distress, demanded reverence and a healthy fear of the Lord.

The phrase "his excellency" speaks to the supreme majesty and glory of God. Unlike any earthly ruler or dignitary, God's grandeur is found in His holiness, infinite wisdom, and supreme authority over all creation. To speak of His excellency is to recognize that He is entirely above human comprehension and moral standards. When we acknowledge God’s magnificence, we cannot help but foster a sense of awe that leads to reverence. Thus, Job's question underlies the importance of understanding our position in relation to the Divine. We are indeed privileged yet should approach God with humility and fear.

It is often said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). This fear should not be understood as a paralyzing dread but rather an awareness of His greatness that leads to a profound respect and reverence for who He is. This is a fear that brings life and protection from the snares of sin and folly. When we contemplate God’s essence, His perfect nature, we should be moved to a place of humility, realizing our unworthiness yet also our significance within His creation.

In our modern society, where the intrinsic notion of reverence seems to have diminished, it is crucial to restore a sense of awe towards God. Many people approach God casually, saturating their spiritual lives in a flippant attitude. But God calls us to know Him not just as a friend but as a sovereign Creator deserving of deep respect. Acknowledging God’s excellency invokes a natural response – a holy fear that desires to align our lives with His will. In this alignment, we find our true purpose and calling. As the dread of the Lord falls upon us, we are reminded of our vulnerabilities and dependence on His grace.

The writer of Ecclesiastes concludes his reflections on the meaning of life with a powerful exhortation, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Job's inquiry foreshadows a deeper revelation that is echoed throughout the scriptures: the profound implications of living in the presence of God’s holiness.

As we meditate upon Job 13:11, let us examine our hearts and attitudes towards the Lord. Do we walk in the light of His glory? Are we aware of His excellency and how it compels us to live a life that speaks to His greatness?

Ultimately, let our hearts be stirred towards reverence for God. May we cultivate a fear that brings us closer to Him, leading to repentance, transformation, and a sincere desire to fulfill our duty as His children. In reverence, let us approach the Father, remembering that His excellency is not meant to intimidate but to invite us into a deeper relationship with Him. His dread should make us tremble, yes, but it is also an invitation to experience the depth of His love and the seriousness of His perfect justice.

Let us pray for a fresh revelation of His excellency today, raising our thoughts and affections toward Him with a renewed sense of awe.