A healthy fear of the LORD is the key to great treasure.
Today’s Devotional Scripture
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6, New International Version)
Fear of the LORD is Healthy
What is a healthy fear of the LORD?
It is a heartfelt belief that the LORD is the final authority and a willingness to tell others that He is the creator of all things, prepared to judge the world at a moment’s notice and a rich provider of love and grace. After all, the LORD is God the Father who makes it possible for us to experience eternal salvation through His Son, Jesus.
An unhealthy fear of the LORD is believing only part of His message to humanity. It is believing that He cannot forgive some sin of ours or we have wandered too far off course to ever get back to a loving relationship with Him.
The great treasure in Isaiah 33:6 is salvation, wisdom and knowledge. Salvation is necessary to establish a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Wisdom and knowledge, when properly applied, make our walk with the Lord a journey of discovery and amazement. It allows us to collect information and inspiration that we can share with others.
I strongly recommend that you read all 24 verses of Isaiah 33.. You will find that it is describing a Messiah who is coming in the future and a power struggle that existed at the time of the prophet..
Many of us believe the Messiah described by Isaiah was and is Jesus Christ. Verse 6 says “He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge.” Verse 24 talks about the sins of the people being forgiven.
As you go out to share the salvation message of Jesus Christ, remember that your personal salvation is just a starting point. There is still plenty of work to be done after you become a Christian, which is why we have the Holy Spirit in our lives to better handle the wisdom and knowledge necessary to succeed as children of God.
The power struggle Isaiah describes is not unique to any race, color, creed or nation. The prophet's message is directed to people who somehow feel God is not all-powerful or all-knowing or lacks love and compassion. They have found substitutes in the world for God, the Creator of all things.
It sounds too familiar to me. Generation after generation of people are bent on finding a better way. The only answer I have found that works is Jesus.
“I am the way and the truth and the life," Jesus says in John 14:6. "No one comes to the Father except through me.” I believe in the words of Jesus and I hope you will turn to Him for salvation, wisdom and knowledge.
Prayer
Almighty God, thank You for being my sure foundation. Please help me to increase in reverence for You and in awe before You. I am resolving today to grow in the fear of the LORD God. In His name and the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
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