What Is Holy Terror?
Holy terror is almost an unknown phrase in contemporary society, despite the fact that we are well acquainted with terror. Randy uses the example of the angels appearing at Christ’s birth to show that holy terror is a real thing.
An Angelic Visitation
An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified
Luke 2:9
What Is Holy Terror?
What is terror?
It’s difficult to define the term without using the word fear. And we all know from experience that fear is the visceral feeling of being extremely disturbed and uncertain in the presence of danger.
The media is full of the concept of fear as it relates to terrorism – the use of systematic, premeditated violence to evoke mass fear for political or ideological purposes.
The downing of the Russian jet in the Sinai in October 2015 has now been officially credited as being the result of a terrorist bombing. Last Fall’s orchestrated violent attacks in Paris have resulted in a death toll of well over 100 with another 80 critically injured. The French capital was seized with tension and fear in the aftermath of the deadliest attack in that nation since World War 2.
Is Fear Always Negative?
But is fear always a negative emotional response? Why precisely, were the shepherds in the Christmas story terrified? Was it because they had never before seen heavenly messengers? Or heard an angelic choir? Or witnessed such a spectacular light show?
Whatever, their reaction was one of shock and awe…and raw terror! It gets me to wondering about us. Has our culture lost its ability to understand holy terror? We live in a bizarre world.
From Shocked To Surprised
Fifty years ago, most of us in Canada could not have defined the word terrorism. We witnessed terrorist activity – usually on a comparatively small scale. The FLQ crisis in Quebec (fall of 1970) created a national firestorm when one cabinet minister was murdered, and a British diplomat was kidnapped. While that was tragic, the carnage was considerably more mild when contrasted with what we routinely witness today.
We are surprised when we see or hear of another terrorist act; but we are no longer shocked by it. And it’s not coincidental that in our age is a growing awareness that that which is secular is often considered sacred. That which is profane is revered. That which is clearly sinful and dark is held up as enlightened and progressive. And the holy things of God are rarely treated with reverence. Or fear. But it won’t always be that way.
Joy To The World & The Approaching Kingdom
Joy to the World is the most-published Christmas carol in North America. But when Isaac Watts penned the words almost 300 years ago, it wasn’t even intended for Christmas. He was writing poetry to correspond to his understanding of themes in the Psalms, and this poem was to reflect some of what he read in Psalm 98. He was also envisioning the world of the coming Kingdom of God, with Christ as its Cosmic King.
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises.
Sing to the LORD with the harp, with the harp and the sound of a psalm, with trumpets and the sound of a horn; shout joyfully before the LORD, the King. Let the sea roar, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it; let the rivers clap their hands; Let the hills be joyful together before the LORD, for He is coming to judge the earth. With righteousness He shall judge the world, and the peoples with equity (Psalm 98:4-9).
The advancing of God’s kingdom is described in decidedly more graphic language as the Bible concludes. Near the end of the Revelation, the apostle John speaks of similar themes, but subject material that evokes strong discomfort, even dread on the part of the reader. For many, the image painted of the Lord Jesus is difficult to reconcile with the Jesus of the gospels. But it is prophetic. It is biblical. Therefore, it is certain. Rather than images of joy and serenity as “earth receives her King” and “ heaven and nature sings”, John witnesses a much more violent scene of divine judgement, wrath against human rebellion, and the conquering of every foe by Jesus Christ. The Apocalyptic image is one of intense violence.
I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose Rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God. The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. Coming out of His mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS
(Revelation 19:11-16).
A Coming Day Of Terror
The prediction provides a vivid contrast to the Christmas season’s ubiquitous image of the gentle, unthreatening Baby in the manger. But there is clearly coming a day, when deep reverence and profound respect will be demanded, and will be expressed. It will be a day of unparalleled fear and terror.
Takeaway:
Is my understanding of who Christ is sufficiently reverent? Do I understand holy fear? Can my perception of biblical truth reconcile the beloved Christmas story with the fierce image of the Conquering Christ as the Captain of the Lord’s armies, the Rider on the white horse? He is the all-powerful One, the Cosmic King, Christus Victor.
Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:9-11).
What frightens you? We would love to hear from you. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
Randy Bushey
After completing a 35 year corporate-management career in the general insurance industry, Randy is dedicated to full-time elder’s work at Bethel Gospel Chapel in North Bay (Ontario).
With a primary pastoral focus in Bible teaching (preaching and leading Bible studies). Randy is also engaged in visitation, church music, and helping develop other men in their roles as Christ-followers, preachers and leaders.
He is married to Pat who is investing her life in working with women and children in the local assembly. They are both energized by their 3 children (2 married) and 6 grandchildren!
You can listen to pod casts from Randy’s show, “The Faith Factor,” by clicking here.
More Podcasts Below:
More Blogs:
To Tell the Truth – Honesty is the Best Policy
The “I AM” Statements of Jesus
Peace Through The Christ of Christmas
Images courtesy of:
SWAT team – Elvis Santana
Orthodox Icon of the Apocalypse – Public Domain
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