ESOCS Devotional 11 September 2021
TEXT: ROMANS 11:11-27
MEMORY VERSE: “Notice how God is both kind and severe. He is severe toward those who disobeyed, but kind to you if you continue to trust in his kindness. But if you stop trusting, you also will be cut off” (Romans 11:22 NLT).
In our memory verse, the Bible explains two attributes or qualities of God. One is His kindness. This connotes His tenderness, love, care, provision, patience, longsuffering, compassion, great pity, among many others. people who receive this kindness are those who abide in His word. They live practical Christian life and remove themselves from sin, and all resemblance of it. such people receive many graces in life.
On the other hand, God has an attribute of severity. This connotes sternness, ruthlessness, vengeful, strictness, harshness, and the like. People who receive such are those who are stubborn to the will and word of God. The fear of God is not in them. They indulge themselves in wickedness, disobedience, immorality, revelling, criminality, hypocrisy, idolatry, pride, haughtiness, ego, and other ungodly vices. For such people, when the wrath of God falls on them, there is no respite; for they would not have peace.
In Deuteronomy 32:39, God said, “Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; Nor is there any who can deliver from My hand” (NKJV).
We should fear such God. The fear of the Lord is simply loving Him to the extent that we are careful not to offend Him in any way. We are mindful of maintaining a good relationship with Him, and reverence Him with utmost devotion, respect, deference, adoration, veneration, worship, and mindfulness.
Let us not forget that between His kindness and severity we would receive the one we deserve, depending on the kind of life we choose to live.
- What would you do to cultivate the fear of God in your heart?
- Pray the Holy Spirit to guide and lead you in all things.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Jeremiah 38:1-13; Acts 27:1-44; 2 Samuel 18:17-33
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ESOCS Devotional 11 September 2021
