May 20, 2022

In mercy and truth, Atonement is provided for iniquity. And by the fear of the LORD one departs from evil. Proverbs 16:6

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all. Ecclesiastes 12:13

A deep sense of awe and reverence for the Lord, who wants to be our “first love” (Revelation 2:4) is the meaning of this type of fear. Do I have such a fear of the holy God of love? Am I afraid of hurting or disappointing Him? If so, I am more likely to be cognizant of—and follow—His leadership: He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Psalm 23:3b

Give unto the LORD the glory due His name; Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

To glorify God means to bring attention to Him, His character, His deeds. This is what happens when a child of God lives for Him with a heart of praise, thankfulness, and cheerful obedience. Such a life is quietly blessed with the power to wield heavenly influence! An apt description of today’s world is found in 2 Timothy 3:1-5; a sad contrast to the character traits God hopes for us to choose. Countless millions are caught in Satan’s web of lies and many are sincerely looking for a way to be freed from the suffering they are experiencing and causing to others.

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. Joel 3:14

An awareness of our accountability to God sharpens and clarifies our sense of direction in life. His righteous judgement is already underway, as we saw in Daniel 7:8-11 (see devotional entry for May 15). This is confirmed by Jesus, who makes the point that before He returns, He will know the difference between His faithful ones and all the rest. “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me to give to everyone according to his work.” (Revelation 22:12)

The Creator ‘hard-wired’ us for worship. His word is filled with warnings regarding idolatry. The world continuously encourages placing man-made things and traditions, along with the worship of self, ahead of serving God. But if we choose to find our self-worth in Jesus who has the power to transform us into sons and daughters of God, these incessant influences and voices lose their power over us. Idolatry of every kind will fade from our lives.

There is a gospel summary passage for the days in which we live that—like flashes of lightning—will carry our minds back to these and many other foundational teachings for our spiritual health. Notice the string of words lifted directly from the fourth commandment (see Exodus 20:11).

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and springs of water.” Revelation 14:6-7