The Fear of God

I believe that our earthly life is like the board game, 'Snakes and Ladders'! God's plan for our life is the very best, like the 100 in the game. However, it is not easy to reach that point. Due to our choices and actions, we either get elevated through the ladder or swallowed up by the snake. I guess we encounter more snakes in real life! Only when we get to heaven, we will know the blessings we have lost due to our bad choices! As I read the story of Abraham, I came upon a particular verse that caught my attention. Gen 18:19 says, "For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the LORD, to do righteousness and justice, that the LORD may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him." It means that God knew that Abraham would command his children and his household to live righteously. God knew that Abraham could be trusted to bring up his children and his household in fear of God. Living that way, Abraham could inherit the Lord's blessing.

This fear of God is not fear of punishment from God. The awesomeness of creation around us and the mercy we have received at the Cross should inspire a healthy fear of this great God for whom nothing is impossible. He is with us at all times as Emmanuel. This fear of God helps us to obey His commands. After Abraham took Isaac to Mount Moriah in obedience to God, God declared that "… … for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me." (Genesis 22:12) The fear of God influences the choices we make in life. We see God blessing Isaac because of Abraham's obedience. God tells Isaac, "And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed, all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws." (Gen 26:4-5)

My friend, our life of obedience can bring blessings to our children and grandchildren too. Let us today discard the destructive actions and attitudes that God has been warning us about, and obey His Word. Remember, God is a "rewarder of those that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 6th August 2019 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 7th August 2019

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