I have already returned to Hong Kong after serving in Rome. During this period, I will take time to rest and to study. At the end of July, I will fly out to Toronto to serve at a missions conference. Please remember this in prayer.

       While in Rome, I visited St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. It is said to hold up to 60,000 people. The dome rises 138 meters into the air, making it the highest point on the Roman skyline. As believers from all directions gaze up at this magnificent church, a sense of awe arises.

       Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” This “fear” is more than just a sense of respect or admiration. Yes, showing reverence to God is needed. But “fear” goes deeper.

       It is like a person who is nearsighted. As soon as he gets out of bed, he puts on his glasses – because without them, he cannot see clearly. He would not dare to leave home without them. You would not dare to leave home without essentials like glasses, a watch, Octopus Card, and mobile phone. It is because you know how much you depend on them for help, strength, and a sense of security.

      “Fearing God” also denotes a sense of fear. Man needs to learn to fear God, for this is of utmost importance to our faith. From another perspective, to “fear” means holding firmly at all times to God who Himself is of utmost importance. Applied to the relationship between man and God, it means our recognition that the God we know, the LORD over all people, is indispensable in our lives. “Fearing God” also expresses our desire that God not be distant from us.

       The book of Proverbs can be divided into five sections. The first section, chapters 1 through 9, flows together, with repeated phrases such as “My son, listen,” “Pay attention,” and “Hold on” to wisdom or “keep them within your heart.”

       For God’s holy word to take root in our hearts, we must start with listening, truly listening. Once we have listened in, we must also remember it well. I once learned in a science program how launching a rocket into space is hard – but bringing it back safely to Earth is even harder. Astronauts must follow exact landing procedures while traveling at over 10,000 kilometers per hour. There is no room for error. Following every instruction is a matter of life or death. That is why astronauts must memorize the steps with great care. Otherwise, one error could have them disappear in the atmosphere. Astronauts would fear the process of returning and so they will be cautious. The fear also makes them memorize the instructions accurately. The instructions they carry are their “path to life,” which can take them safely back to Earth.

      “Fear” arises from man’s desire to go the way leading to life. It leads us to cherish God’s word in our hearts. This kind of “fear” does not paralyze us. Instead, it fills us with vitality. It is like the spring in a music box. When we turn it, it becomes tighter and tighter. Yet, we are also infusing potential energy into it. Once released, beautiful music flows out. In the same way, the fear pours strength into our lives and leads us down the right path.

      This quarter, the sermons at the NPAC family will focus on Proverbs 1 to 9. Let us store the holy word deep in our hearts so that we will gain wisdom to live and the wisdom of life.