“The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who 1FEAR HIM, And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; Blessed is the man who TRUSTS in Him! Oh, FEAR THE LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those WHO FEAR HIM.” (Psa. 34:7-9) 1yare‘: to reverence, honor, respect to make afraid, terrify A healthy fear of God includes the fear of the consequences of disobedience. There may be times of temptation or trial when we may forget some of the better reasons for obeying God, and that is when we had better think of the consequences. “Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that HIS FEAR may be before you, so that you MAY NOT SIN.” (Exodus. 20:20)
The fear of God helps us to take Him and His helpful laws seriously. Being in harmony with the spiritual laws that govern the universe has astounding benefits. “For if we SIN WILLFULLY after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain FEARFUL EXPECTATION of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has TRAMPLED THE SON OF GOD UNDERFOOT, counted the blood of the covenant by which He was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, ‘VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,’ says the Lord. And again, ‘The LORD will judge His people.’ IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD.” (Heb. 10:26-31)
It is so very important that we understand the consequences of disobedience this is David’s conclusion, “Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. LORD, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But…
YOU OFFER FORGIVENESS, THAT WE MIGHT LEARN TO FEAR YOU…(Psa. 130:2-4)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham