WHO JUDGES / IN REVERENT FEAR / 1 PETER 1:17

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) 1 Peter 1:17

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

Walking Through the Wilderness: Who Judges and How to Live in Reverent Fear

When you think of a judge, what image comes to mind? A stern face, a wooden gavel, and a courtroom filled with tension? Now, what happens when you merge that image with the concept of a father?

In 1 Peter 1:17, the Apostle Peter challenges our modern concepts of comfort and accountability by writing: “Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.”

This single verse pairs two concepts that seem, at first glance, to completely contradict each other: an impartial Judge and an intimate Father. Yet, understanding how these two roles coexist is the key to unlocking what it truly means to live in “reverent fear” during our time on earth.

1. The Father Who Judges Impartially

Peter reminds us that the God we cry out to is not a permissive parent who winks at our compromises, nor is He an aloof monarch. He is a Father who expects holiness because He Himself is holy.

The beauty of God’s judgment is its absolute impartiality.

No Favorites: In human systems, wealth, status, or connections can sway a verdict. But our Heavenly Father has no favorites.
Individual Evaluation: God does not grade us on a curve or judge us against our neighbor. He looks directly at our hearts, our unique capabilities, and our obedience to what He has given us.

This is not a judgment regarding our salvation—if we are in Christ, our eternity is securely bought by His precious blood. Instead, it is a sober reminder that our daily choices matter. Our actions have eternal significance, and a loving Father holds His children accountable.

2. Living as Foreigners and Exiles

Peter explicitly calls his readers “foreigners” or “temporary residents”. If you have ever traveled to a country where you don’t speak the language or know the customs, you know the feeling of hyper-awareness. You tread carefully, respectful of the laws, always aware that this place is not your home.

As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven. The cultural currents of this world shouldn’t dictate our morals. When we realize this earth is just a temporary stopover, we stop trying to build permanent kingdoms here. We travel light, and we keep our eyes fixed on the standard of our true home.

3. What is “Reverent Fear”?

The phrase “reverent fear” often gets misunderstood. This is not a paralyzing, terrifying dread—the kind of fear that makes you want to run away and hide from God.

Instead, think of it as a deep, breathless awe. It is the feeling of standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or watching a massive thunderstorm roll in. You aren’t necessarily terrified for your life, but you are deeply aware of a immense power that commands absolute respect.

When we live in reverent fear, we are saying: “God, Your will matters more than my convenience. Your definition of right and wrong matters more than the world’s opinion. I love You too much, and respect You too deeply, to treat Your grace as a license to disregard Your instructions.”

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being a perfect parent—one who surrounds us with infinite, unconditional love, yet cares too much about our character to leave us in our compromise. Forgive us for the times we have treated Your holiness lightly or cared more about the approval of this world than the standard of Your kingdom.

Teach us what it means to truly walk in reverent fear. Open our eyes to the majesty of Your power and the absolute fairness of Your character. Remind us daily that we are just passing through this world, and let our lives reflect our identity as Your children. May our actions bring honor to Your name until the day we finally rest in Your presence forever.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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