Topic: God is to be feared
Bible Reading: Psalm 128-131; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40.
Memory Verse: “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” Psalm 130:3-4 (KJV)
Every damage or atrocity committed against the asset of a man is an offence first against the man and then against his asset. This is the same position with God. He creates everything on earth and every atrocity against anyone or anything on earth is against God! Genesis 1:1 (KJV) says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” and John 1:3 (KJV) confirms that “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”
So every sin against any person or thing on earth is against God and that is why there is nobody who has not offended God since he came to the earth. But inspite of all offences, God has offered Olive branch to everyone as he is ready to forgive those who come to Him for mercy.
Since God created all things, He has discretion on who and how He forgives. Thus he says in His word in Romans 9:15-16 (KJV), “For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. [16] So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”
Thus you, the created, cannot demand for forgiveness from God, but you can plead for it because it is at His discretion to diepense mercy to whomever He deems. This is why whoever is wise will fear the Lord who has capacity to punish for offences and also can forgive. He can dispense any at His discretion. In fact, the Lord said of Himself, in Deuteronomy 32:39 (KJV), “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god with me: I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand.”
This is why the Psalmist says in Psalm 130:3-4 (KJV), “If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? [4] But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.” Certainly, any wise person will fear such a powerful God.
Action Point:
Do you fear God? then obey his commandments in every area of your life.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero