Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 20:18-21.
“All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.” Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.” Exodus 20:18-21.
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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10
“4 Tremble, and do not sin;
Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
And trust in the Lord.” Psalm 4:4-5.
We notice in these three Scriptures that there is not only the fear of the Lord, there are indications of obedience, hope, praise, and trust in the Lord.
First, in today’s Scripture, we see that despite the awesome and fearful thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, and the voice of God commanding, although all feared God (so that they may not sin), in addition we read that “Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.” So, likewise, although we fear God and are thus motivated to not sin, we also go to church today to approach God. We know that we are sinful people, but we still hope that God will be gracious to us.
Second, in the above Psalm 111:10, although we fear the Lord and thus have good understanding to do His commandments, we also praise the Lord.
Third, in the above Psalm 4:4-5, although we tremble and do not sin, we also offer “the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord.”
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 