Scripture:
Psalm 128:1-6 ESV
[1] Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways! [2] You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands; you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you. [3] Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. [4] Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord. [5] The Lord bless you from Zion! May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! [6] May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!
Observation:
I have been reading the bible now for a lot of years, and the LORD continues to reveal things to me. Looking at the word “fear” in this psalm opened up a whole new perspective this morning. My question is, why would you fear someone who is so good? So I got to thinking… verse 1 says blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in HIS ways. This statement is valuable and needs to be opened up so we know what is really being said. The word fear when it concerns the LORD takes on a new meaning. In my opinion, remember… this is my opinion, but I will investigate and make sure I’m on the right path. I never want to mislead anyone. Verse 2 tells us the benefits of “fear” of the LORD. Another question is how does fear have benefits? I’m not sure if it ever has in my life. It says you will eat fruits from your labor. “Fear” producing fruit??? How??? On to Verse 3… your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house. That means there will be no lack of children. Another benefit of “FEAR”. This psalm is short, but it is so full of wisdom that in a few short words, we get a really good understanding of what it means to fear the LORD. Verses 4-6 are more blessings, prosperity, long life, continued legacies, and so on. The “FEAR” of the LORD seems like a good thing.
Application:
I remember when I was a kid, my dad was the one who was disciplined in our home, and that is when he was around. He left at the age of 9 or 10, and it showed in my behavior. By the age of 11, I had my first felony… there was no reason for fear. Dad was gone, and Mom never had been someone to fear. When the boundaries were removed. My desire to obey was removed as well. I respected my dad’s authority, and it showed, through my desire to obey. It was clear that when I did obey, there were benefits, and when I didn’t, there were consequences. The “FEAR” of consequences drove my willingness to obey and the benefits of obedience. Gave me a desire to continue to obey. So before I go too much further, I have to say what I am not saying… I am not saying you earn your salvation. I want that to be clear. The Bible tells us that it is a free gift. What I have noticed about my life is that when I obey the LORD, my life seems to have a lot less Kaos, and things seem to go well, and when I don’t… well, the opposite is true. My “FEAR” of the consequences has brought me to a desire to obey. So my conclusion is FEAR=OBEDIENCE. GOD is not out to get you… are there natural consequences to sin… yes, there is the enemy who came to kill steal, and destroy. But the LORD came so that we could have life and have it in abundance. GOD’S way is the only way for me. I see HIS using my life for HIS glory, and that is my desire. I want others to know HIM. That is my driving force.
Prayer:
Father, we trust you and know that you are good. We trust that your ways lead to life, peace, and joy. We love you and pray that you will guide our feet to the path that leads to a life well lived for you. We want to be a reflection of who you are. Help us to see clearly and give us wisdom to lead not only our lives but the lives of those whom you place next to us. We know you have a plan, and trust that it is a good plan. We want to obey you, not because we know that blessings come from that but also to build your kingdom. Kingdom work is a blessing enough. We know that you have so much more in store for us than we could imagine. You are a good father. Protect the ones we love and show us how to lead them to the cross. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.