Bible Reading: 2 Kings 2; 2 Thessalonians 2; Daniel 6; Psalms 112 & 113
Psalms 112:1 Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.
The man who fears the LORD is blessed. What does the fear of the LORD look like? This Psalm helps us to understand what a life of fearing God is like.
First, he delights greatly in God’s commandments. He does not try to avoid the commands of God, but delights in them.
Psalms 112:2-3 His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed. Wealth and riches shall be in his house: and his righteousness endureth for ever.
There are many blessings associated with fearing God. A very important one is that his faith will be passed on to the next generation and God will provide for him and his family.
Psalms 112:4-5 Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous. A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.
Second, he will be a gracious person who has compassion on his fellow men. This flows from the grace of God that is in him. He will be a steward of God’s resources and will lend to those in need. All his business will be conducted with discretion.
Psalms 112:6-8 Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD. His heart is established, he shall not be afraid, until he see his desire upon his enemies.
Third, he does not live in fear. Even though he realizes he is in the midst of a war, he trusts in God and his heart is established. He knows that he will have the victory through the Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalms 112:9-10 He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away: the desire of the wicked shall perish.
Last, he is a generous person who gives. His life will be a testimony of the grace of God that he has received. The wicked man will see his life and despise him, but the wicked will melt away. It is worth it to fear the Lord!
In Christ,
Rody
