S) "3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with You,
That You may be feared."
Psalm 130:3-4 (NASB)
O) The LORD works in mysterious ways. It seems so counterintuitive to think that the mercy of the LORD would actually cause Him to be feared. But, I think it is really only true after the sober, honest evaluation of our own sins. When we have considered our many iniquities, and the depths of our rebellion against God, only then do we realize the weight of His mercy. As we begin to clearly see the fullness of that forgiveness, and everything it means, we begin to see the fullness of His sovereignty, and realize the just punishment we have been spared. When we realize how much He has forgiven, it can often lead us to realize how much wrath we truly deserved, and in turn, cause us to fear Him all the more justly.
A) This is another way, I think, that the LORD can teach me to fear Him. I need to fully consider the forgiveness I receive. I need to meditate on that mercy, and remember His sovereignty through it. In Jesus Christ, the forgiveness I receive is complete. I have no fear of His mercies ending, but understanding the punishment that was taken from me, and put on my Lord, will open my eyes to revere the LORD more fully.
P) Father, Your sovereignty is complete. You rule the earth, direct the hearts of kings, move borders, level mountains, control nature... You could, justifiably, destroy me body and soul... and yet in all of Your sovereignty, power, and knowledge, You choose forgiveness through the redemptive plan You set in place, in sending Your Son to die in my place. I can never truly understand the full scope of that forgiveness, but open my eyes to see it more. According to Your will, let me fear You more by understanding who You are, more. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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