Today’s devotion comes from Leviticus 26:14-39. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Leviticus%2026&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“‘But if you do not obey Me and do not carry out all these commandments, if, instead, you reject My statutes, and if your soul abhors My ordinances so as not to carry out all My commandments, and so break My covenant, I, in turn, will do this to you: I will appoint over you a sudden terror, consumption and fever that will waste away the eyes and cause the soul to pine away; also, you will sow your seed uselessly, for your enemies will eat it up. I will set My face against you so that you will be struck down before your enemies; and those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee when no one is pursuing you. If also after these things you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. I will also break down your pride of power; I will also make your sky like iron and your earth like bronze. Your strength will be spent uselessly, for your land will not yield its produce and the trees of the land will not yield their fruit.
‘If then, you act with hostility against Me and are unwilling to obey Me, I will increase the plague on you seven times according to your sins. I will let loose among you the beasts of the field, which will bereave you of your children and destroy your cattle and reduce your number so that your roads lie deserted.
‘And if by these things you are not turned to Me, but act with hostility against Me, then I will act with hostility against you; and I, even I, will strike you seven times for your sins. I will also bring upon you a sword which will execute vengeance for the covenant; and when you gather together into your cities, I will send pestilence among you, so that you shall be delivered into enemy hands.” Leviticus 26:14-25.
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Jesus exclaimed: “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!” Luke 12:5.
We may compare the back-to-back Scriptures that we covered the last two days.
The promises of punishment if we disobey God may seem longer and stronger than the promises of blessings if we obey God.
Avoiding hell may motivate more than gaining heaven.
But, both Scriptures are profitable.
We may consider the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and that “A good understanding have all those who do His commandments” and “And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”.
“7 The works of His hands are truth and justice;
All His precepts are sure.
8 They are upheld forever and ever;
They are performed in truth and uprightness.
9 He has sent redemption to His people;
He has ordained His covenant forever;
Holy and awesome is His name.
10 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 111:7-10.
“10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.” Proverbs 9:10-11.
The LORD is not a jolly Santa Claus; the LORD is a just Judge. The LORD is not a frail young hippy; the LORD is a victorious Warrior.
“The LORD is a warrior;
The LORD is His name.” Exodus 15:3.
“12 Let them give glory to the LORD
And declare His praise in the coastlands.
13 The LORD will go forth like a warrior,
He will arouse His zeal like a man of war.
He will utter a shout, yes, He will raise a war cry.
He will prevail against His enemies.” Isaiah 42:12-13.
“10 Now therefore, O kings, show discernment;
Take warning, O judges of the earth.
11 Worship the LORD with reverence
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way,
For His wrath may soon be kindled.
How blessed are all who take refuge in Him!” Psalm 2:10-12.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 