Hear this now, O foolish people,
Without understanding,
Who have eyes and see not,
And who have ears and hear not:
Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord.
‘Will you not tremble at My presence. Jeremiah 5:22 (NKJV)
Some would try to say that because God is love and God so loved the world; that our response to that love doesn’t really matter. Many profess that there are multiple roads to heaven; yet, that too is not what God’s own words would say. Others would say if we try hard and do "good" then God will reward us with heaven; yet, what is really good? The older I grow, the more I see of God’s righteousness; the more I recognize those hidden areas of darkness, selfishness, or covetousness that lurk in the recesses of my own heart. How often have I failed even the first commandment which is to love the Lord God with all my heart, my mind, and my soul! Each time I have railed against God’s will because I wanted something or cried bitterly because He did not give me some foolish desire of my heart were proof I did not love Him as I should. This verse from Jeremiah would shout into my heart–"O foolish heart, without understanding, whose eyes do not see, whose ears do not hear; do you not fear Me? Says the Lord, Will you not tremble at My Presence?"
Then, I fall before the throne of God; yes, trembling with fear because of my own sin. Surely, all that I have done and the times I have failed to heed His warning thinking I knew what was best; surely, His wrath would be against me. Shrinking into despair, I would sorrowfully take all the punishment He would send. I would see every trial as just punishment for my sin. But, wait!! That thinking is also, wrong; although, bears a hint of truth. Yes, I must recognize the sin. I must also realize that God hates sin and His justice demands punishment. We are to realize that truth; but, that is only the beginning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth forever. Psalm 111:10
But that was not the end of the story of God’s love. He knew that I could not make a way for my own righteousness. The weight of my own sin was too great and eternal separation, death would be my eternity; if God did not provide a way for me. I could never be good enough to stand before perfect righteousness without being consumed by the fire of His wrath. All my futile acts toward righteousness would be a wood, hay and stubble that would be no more than ashes. So, it was that God’s love reached out to save me by providing a way.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people Luke 2:10
Jesus came. God Incarnate walked upon this earth, took upon Himself all my shame, all my guilt, and all my sin. He, God’s only begotten son; took upon human flesh to suffer and die in my place. He said,
Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32 (NKJV)
So, which is it? Do I fear God? Or do I not fear His wrath against sin? If I never recognized the sin in my life as deserving of God’s wrath, then, I would have never realized my need for a Savior. It was fear of punishment that drove me to the cross; but, it was not fear that held me there within His heart. For when I gazed upon His heart of love, it was the magnificent beauty of His Glorious Grace that held me there. When I recognize the depth of His love for me, I realize the agony I cause His heart when I sin. My rebellion grieves the heart of the only one who truly loves me with a perfect love.
Now my sin may have the natural consequences that evil brings; but, having accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior frees me from the condemnation that would have been mine.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1
So, what compels my heart to run from sin; if, I have no condemnation for it? Love does. Love commands my heart to repent each time I sin. Love breaks my heart each time I know that I have grieved my precious heavenly Father’s heart.
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. Romans 8: 14-17 (NKJV)
Only as I begin to understand all of this, can I begin to see that everything that comes into my life as God’s child is a gift of God’s mighty precious hand of love. Every trial, tear, or sorrow has been His Loving Hand guiding me closer to Him where I have perfect joy, hope, and love. It has never been His hand of punishment; it has been His Grace that reached into my life to pick me up each time I stumbled along this race. I see that now!! I have nothing to ever fear as His beloved, redeemed, precious child. Like a child running to the arms of their loving Father, let me run this race with my eyes fixed upon My Father’s gaze. Let me lay aside all else to desire His Good Pleasure above all this earth could ever give.
What about you? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior? He is the only way. If not, then yes you must fear God’s wrath against sin.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. John 3:16-19
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New King James Version (NKJV) Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.