Today’s devotion comes from Romans 1:18-25.
“18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.
24 Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them.
25 For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.” Romans 1:18-25.
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Scripture certainly does reveal the wrath of God. As just one example, one can not read the Prophets, Isaiah through Malachi, without being strongly impressed with the wrath of God. But, we read about the wrath of God throughout Scripture from Genesis through Revelations. It is good to read so much about it. We better appreciate the holiness and justice of God. We better fear God.
The wrath of God is generally against “all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men”, but it is interesting to read what our Scripture for today singles out as a specific cause of the wrath of God: “men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness”. That specific mention should give us pause and cause us to reflect on the guilt of suppressing the truth in unrighteousness. It teaches us the importance of truth.
Some may try to pompously pretend their innocence and intelligence by asking: “What evidence is there of God?” But, today’s Scripture simply and directly answers that insincere question by stating: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20.
Whether it be through creation or through the Scriptures, we should most eagerly seek to learn more fully the attributes of God. “Thus says the LORD, “Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.” Jeremiah 9:23-24.
We should honor God. “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:23. “Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce;” Proverbs 3:9. “He who oppresses the poor taunts his Maker, But he who is gracious to the needy honors Him.” Proverbs 14:31. “ Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.” Revelation 4:11.
We should give thanks to God. “I will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” Psalm 9:1. “I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever.” Psalm 86:12.
We should avoid futile speculations and “professing to be wise”. The emphasis of today’s Scripture on “creation” and “the Creator” should warn us against speculating about evolution against the plain teaching of Scripture about creation.
We should not try to present God in the corruptible image of man. As just one example, we should avoid referring to God as “the man upstairs”. We should not take God’s name in vain, that is lightly without the supreme respect and reverence to which God is entitled.
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,” Romans 1:18.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 