Fear of the Lord, Part 2 – “Hot Mic and Hidden Cam”
Now and then, you hear on the news that some national or international political figure has been caught on a “hot mic”. They have been recorded without their knowledge, saying things they would never say publicly. Whether it was accidental or someone deliberately set them up, most of the time, the spilled secret shocks both followers and antagonists. Depending on who it happens to and the gravity of what was said, it may be dismissed quickly or linger for a while and turn into a scandal. There is also the possibility of apologizing to someone they offended with the words they thought were spoken privately.
On the other hand, some have been caught on camera, whether in full sight or hidden. They are seen doing things they would not do if they were aware of being filmed. Sometimes, they are recorded being in places they should not be or meeting people they should not. But this is not limited to people in politics; it also happens to those in Entertainment, Sports, and even religious circles.
Sometimes, their reputations are tarnished because the public gets to see their idols without their respectable masks. Everyone sees them as they really are: flawed and fake. They are pretending to be what they are not. They want to project an excellent image to the world that can favor them in their endeavors. As a result, disgrace and disdain may follow their exposed recordings.
Though the consequences may be detrimental to those being caught, it is not that bad because, after a while, people may forget. If you are not a public and “important” person, you may think that it is something you never have to worry about. But think again and listen, all people are always on “Hot Mic” and “Hidden Cam”. If you wonder how, then let me tell you:
There is a God that sees everything we do, every time, everywhere. Whatever it is, there is no way of hiding from His eyes. We are always “LIVE” on His Big Screen because He is “El Roi”, the God who sees. Long ago, in the book of Genesis, a desperate Hagar, pregnant servant of Sarah, was fleeing in the desert and had an encounter with God, who comforted her.
Thereafter, Hagar used another name to refer to the Lord, who had spoken to her. She said, “You are the God who sees me.” She also said, “Have I truly seen the One who sees me?” Genesis 16:13
During this meeting with Hagar, the Lord stated that He not only sees, but He also hears. He told her to call the son she is carrying by the name of Ishmael, which means: “God hears”.
So, God, seeing all, hearing all, and knowing all, certainly sees everything we do, good or bad. In Psalm 139, David is amazed at how much and how long the Lord has known him and cared for him. He also acknowledges that there is no place he can go to hide from God’s sight.
I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.
I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. Psalm 139:7-12
When you are in a good relationship with God, it is comforting to know that He is watching you at all times for protection and provision. But when you are living in sin, you may not be aware of Him observing you, or maybe you don’t care. Nevertheless, He is.
For he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens. Job 28:24
The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good. Proverbs 15:3
Yet most people live their lives unaware of that fact or simply disregard it. Many fear the opinion of others, though it affects them only temporarily, but they couldn’t care less about what God thinks of them and the eternal consequences. This just proves that there is no fear of the Lord, because usually, when people know that they are on camera or mic, there are things they refrain from doing or saying. Unfortunately, they think it’s okay to do these same things in private, regardless of the Lord observing it all. And that goes for non-believers and believers alike.
However, everyone should keep in mind that God sees our actions, hears our words, and even knows our deepest thoughts. Concerning the words that we utter, Jesus warns us:
And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you.” Matthew 12:36-37
Imagine the shame that people would feel if every part of their private lives were published. They would be very cautious for the remainder of their existence. However, some will say that there is no such thing as God, but others who know of Him will say: “God understands why I am doing this. He knows that I would not do that if there weren’t a critical need.” It’s even more disrespectful, to know that they are sinning and to expect God to close His eyes, not notice, and not keep account of it. They disregard Him even more than they do others. Acting this way, is presuming that the Lord should not be affected by their behavior. But the Bible is very clear about that when it says:
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13
You spread out our sins before you— our secret sins—and you see them all. Psalms 90:8
They should know that there are consequences for their sins, and that they will have to face them, whether now or later.
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. Romans 6:7-8
God is compassionate and quick to forgive when people recognize their wrongdoings and are sincerely sorry that they offended Him. But for the willful sinners, it’s a different story. I suppose they feel brave enough to provoke The Maker of the Universe, but they should tremble and repent, because:
In his presence the mountains quake, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles, and its people are destroyed.
Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and the mountains crumble to dust in his presence. Nahum 1:5-6
It is not about being afraid of God, though this could save lives, but it’s about acknowledging who God is. It is to know that He is a Supreme Being, a Holy God who does not tolerate evil. It is to realize that though He is a loving God, He will repay everyone who does not repent from their evil ways. All people, have to give Him respect, honor, and glory, because He is worthy of it all. He made us and gave us everything for our sustenance.
Even better, He offers us salvation from the eternal fire and invites us to be with Him in Paradise forever. So the least we can do is to live a holy life in His presence. It’s not that we will never sin, but we can be more careful in all our ways and run away from evil. Then we will remain in Him, and He will remain in us. Therefore, we will grieve Him less and less.
That’s why Jesus said:
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5
So I pray that the Lord moves our hearts to know and to love Him better. There is no need to be afraid, because His perfect love casts out fear, but instead to respect and praise Him as fitting.
“So obey the commands of the Lord your God by walking in his ways and fearing him. Deuteronomy 8:6
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Proverbs 9:10
Who can comprehend the power of your anger? Your wrath is as awesome as the fear you deserve. Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. Psalms 90:11-12
By Nissi, 5-14-25
Remember, God is Love, but He is also Holy and Just. Therefore, He will judge all unrepentant sinners. Turn away from sin and come to Him.
