Tag: Divine judgment

Fear of the Lord

The concept of the “fear of the Lord” is central to understanding the relationship between God and His people. This fear is not just a terror of God’s power and judgment, but a profound respect, reverence, and awe for His holiness, authority, and righteousness.

In today’s reading, we see a stark contrast between those who fear the Lord and those who do not. Jeremiah 25:15-38 speaks of the cup of God’s wrath being poured out on the nations, a terrifying image of divine judgment. This passage is a sobering reminder that God’s justice cannot be ignored, and His authority cannot be dismissed. The lack of fear of the Lord leads to disastrous consequences, as seen in the nations that are about to be judged.

Conversely, the fear of the Lord leads to peace and security. Those who respect and honor God’s authority live with the assurance of His protection and guidance. In Jeremiah 36, despite the king’s attempts to destroy God’s word by burning the scroll, God’s message endures, and His plans remain unchanged. The faithful scribe Baruch and the prophet Jeremiah, who feared the Lord, were protected, even as the king faced judgment for his defiance.

This contrast between fear of the Lord and lack of it is also echoed in Jeremiah 45-46, where Egypt, which did not fear the Lord, faced destruction, while Baruch, who served the Lord faithfully, was promised his life as a reward.

The fear of the Lord is not about living in constant dread but about recognizing God’s rightful place as sovereign over all. This fear brings wisdom, peace, and life, as Proverbs 1:7 reminds us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”

Those who lack this fear are left to face the fear of consequences, a fear that could have been avoided through reverence and obedience to God.

The Surprising Hope Hidden in Isaiah’s Doom and Gloom

Isaiah 24-27, often called the “Apocalypse of Isaiah,” delivers a stern message of global judgment. Nations are brought low, the earth is laid waste, and its inhabitants scattered. This grim portrayal continues into chapter 29, where Jerusalem faces severe consequences for their rebellion. However, nestled within these chapters of destruction are profound messages of hope and redemption.

Isaiah 24 starts with a vision of the earth in chaos: “The earth will be completely laid waste and totally plundered. The Lord has spoken this word” (Isaiah 24:3). The ensuing verses describe a world reeling under divine judgment. Yet, amidst this, Isaiah 25 presents a sudden shift: “Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago” (Isaiah 25:1).

Here, Isaiah acknowledges God’s sovereignty and His faithful plans, even in judgment. He foretells a future where God will “swallow up death forever” and “wipe away the tears from all faces” (Isaiah 25:8). This profound promise points to a time of ultimate redemption, offering hope amid despair.

Isaiah 26 continues with a song of trust: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Despite the trials, those who trust in God are promised perfect peace. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of God in the midst of it.

Isaiah 27 brings the promise of restoration: “In days to come Jacob will take root, Israel will bud and blossom and fill all the world with fruit” (Isaiah 27:6). This prophecy speaks of a restored Israel, flourishing and fruitful. It is a reminder that God’s judgment is not an end but a means to bring about repentance and renewal.

Isaiah 29 returns to the theme of judgment, focusing on Jerusalem. The city faces severe consequences for their hypocrisy and spiritual blindness. “The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep: He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers)” (Isaiah 29:10). Yet, even here, God promises a future transformation: “Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 29:19).

God’s discipline is always paired with His grace. The call to awaken from spiritual complacency is a call to return to God, who is ever ready to restore and bless.

How often do we find ourselves overwhelmed by the chaos in our lives? Like the nations in Isaiah’s prophecy, we might face situations that seem insurmountable. But these chapters remind us that God is in control. His plans, though sometimes involving discipline, are ultimately for our good.

When we are in the midst of life’s storms, it is easy to focus on the immediate chaos rather than the overarching sovereignty of God. Isaiah invites us to lift our eyes from our troubles to the One who holds our future.

Personal Reflection:

  • Are you currently facing a situation that feels overwhelming?
  • How can you shift your focus from the problem to the promise of God’s presence and peace?
  • In what ways can you cultivate a trust in God’s plan, even when it involves discipline?

Remember, God’s judgment is never devoid of His mercy. He disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and His ultimate aim is our restoration and flourishing.

The Shocking Truth About Why We’re Struggling—And the One Thing We Keep Overlooking!

Isaiah 18-23 predicts doom and gloom for many nations including Egypt, Ethiopia, Edom, Arabia, and even Jerusalem. What I found interesting is how all these nations have nowhere to run and nowhere to hide… except Jerusalem. They are the chosen nation of the Most High God, the God who is bringing the calamity, and yet they do not turn to Him. What?? You have access to the greatest trump card anyone could ever draw and yet you leave it on the table?

How often do we end up in a bind, and instead of looking UP to God, we look IN to ourselves? When the chips are really down, why do we try to go it alone? My God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so why would I go to someone else for the things that really matter? He has every resource we need!

So if you’re facing financial difficulties, struggling with health issues, dealing with relationship problems, or feeling overwhelmed by work or school, then lift your eyes to the mountains, where your help comes from (Psalm 121:1-2). Trust in the Lord, for He is our ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).

Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition

The battle-cry of Chaplain Lt H. M. Forgy aboard the USS New Orleans during the attack on Pearl Harbour in WWII. Just the thought of it today causes Christians to recoil in horror. Imagine! Associating God with war?? Crazytownbananapants!

Ot is it? I think Christians write-large would also recoil in horror at the words of the Psalmist in Psalm 149:6-9, who writes:

Let the praises of God be in their mouths, and a sharp sword in their hands— to execute vengeance on the nations and punishment on the peoples, to bind their kings with shackles and their leaders with iron chains, to execute the judgment written against them. This is the glorious privilege of his faithful ones. Praise the Lord!

A sword? Vengeance!? Execute!?!

We read these words and run to the New Testament to say that our fight is NOT against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers, this is a metaphorical battle! This is only imagery! David Guzik in his Enduring Word commentary writes:

They bear a two-edged sword in their hand, demonstrating both the use of practical weapons and means, and in a spiritual sense, reliance upon God’s word, which is described as a two-edged sword (Revelation 19:15) as even sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12), and as the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17).”

I don’t think so, Dave. That is NOT the context the author of Psalms is writing in. He’s not in a post-Resurrection world. Christianity does not yet exist. And the writings of John, Paul, and the author of Hebrews are hundreds of years away. Which begs the question: what is the context of the Psalmist?

  • Exodus 32:25-28 – The Golden Calf Incident: After the Israelites create and worship a golden calf, Moses calls for those who are loyal to the Lord to come to him. The Levites respond, and Moses commands them to go through the camp and kill those who participated in the idolatry. About 3,000 people are killed as a result.
  • Numbers 25:1-9 – The Sin of Peor: The Israelites engage in idolatry and sexual immorality with Moabite women. God commands Moses to execute the leaders involved. Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, takes a spear and kills an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, stopping a plague that had killed 24,000 people.
  • Joshua 6 – The Battle of Jericho: God commands Joshua to lead the Israelites in the conquest of Jericho. They march around the city for seven days, and on the seventh day, they blow trumpets and shout, causing the walls to collapse. They then destroy every living thing in the city as an act of divine judgment.
  • Joshua 7 – The Sin of Achan: After the Israelites are defeated at Ai, God reveals that Achan has taken forbidden items. Joshua identifies Achan, who confesses, and he and his family are stoned and burned as a punishment, restoring God’s favor to Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 15 – The Amalekites: God commands Saul, the first king of Israel, to completely destroy the Amalekites, including all their people and livestock. Saul partially obeys, sparing King Agag and the best of the livestock, which leads to his rejection as king.
  • 2 Kings 9-10 – The Judgment on Ahab’s House: God anoints Jehu as king of Israel and commands him to execute judgment on the house of Ahab. Jehu kills Joram, Ahaziah, Jezebel, and the seventy sons of Ahab, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy.
  • Judges 7 – Gideon’s Battle Against the Midianites: God uses Gideon and a small army of 300 men to defeat the Midianites, delivering Israel from oppression. This victory is seen as God’s judgment against the Midianites for their actions against Israel.

This is far from an exhaustive list. We just need to accept the fact that God uses human agents to carry out His will. And — yes — His will includes judgement from time to time. And if that bothers you, I have a quite sincere question: Do you have an issue with any of these incidences?

  • The Great Flood: God caused the flood to wipe out all humanity except Noah and his family (Genesis 6-8).
  • Sodom and Gomorrah: God destroyed these cities with fire and brimstone due to their wickedness (Genesis 19).
  • Nadab and Abihu: They were consumed by fire from the Lord for offering unauthorized fire before Him (Leviticus 10:1-2).
  • Uzzah: He died when he touched the ark of the covenant inappropriately (2 Samuel 6:6-7).

Because it seems to me that most people who object to how God is doing a thing, but rather than He is doing it at all. This comes back to the same thing I’ve talked about before; when my opinion differs from God’s, I’m wrong. And if I don’t like it, I need to better understand God’s grace or holiness, or some other attribute of His better. Don’t forget that God is all-knowing. He knows everything that was, is, and will be. He has a level of both knowledge and understanding that we could never HOPE to attain. And any attempt to massage, mold, or adapt God to better fit OUR desires is nothing more than an idol. An idol that demonstrates a profound lack of trust in our God.