The more extensive our comprehension of God’s greatness (though in itself it is incomprehensible) the greater our capacity for fear or reverence of Him. For this reason the psalmist en­courages us, “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding” (Ps. 47:7). We are invited to behold His greatness.

Yet we are also quickly told by the psalmist, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable” (Ps. 145:3). This causes me to recall the story of St. Augustine’s death. Augustine was one of the greatest leaders in his era. His writings expounded on the awesome wonders of our God. His writings have been referenced for over a thousand years. One of his great works is entitled The City of God.

On his deathbed, surrounded by his closest friends, as Augustine slipped away to be with the Lord, his breath ceased, and his heart stopped, and a wonderful sense of peace filled the room. Suddenly his eyes reopened, and with his face aglow he declared to those present, “I have seen the Lord. All I have written is but straw.” Then he left for his eternal home.

Excerpted from The Fear of the Lord by John Bevere, Charisma House 1997, p. 21-22. Www.charismahouse.com . Used with permission.