8/24/13 Deuteronomy 6:24 Fear the Lord For Your Own Good

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NAS)

So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today.

 

Deuteronomy 6:24 (NIVUS)

The LORD commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the LORD our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.

 

Many people have been deceived about the character of God.  They see Him as someone who just has rules and regulations that must be obeyed or else.  Or else He will snap His mighty fingers and they will no longer exist.  That is not God's heart or His character; He is the best parent that has ever existed and only wants the best for His children.
 
Jehovah, the Lord your God, does give you commandments and charges that He wants you to keep and fulfill.  lLike any loving and obedient child, you desire to carry out His orders. You are fashioned after His nature and you are capable of acting according to His will. 
 
Therefore, offer Him your will and submit to His statutes and ordinances.  You know that the limits and boundaries that God sets for you are in your best interests. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to choose to fear and reverence the Lord God.  You should always stand in awe of Him and His works should cause you astonishment. 
 
As you honor Adonai, He will make your life good and pleasant.  He places high value on you and wants your life to be excellent and rich.  Thus, Almighty God sets boundaries around you to preserve you alive; He surrounds you with His favor which influences you to do well and to act rightly.  In this way, you receive all of God's benefits and blessings in your life.

 

(Originally written 12/13/05)