Hello world!
As we look forward to another year to spend in peace and joy with God, I thought that this bible study would be fitting to remind us of our purpose here on Earth as Christians. Today, I want to speak about the conclusion of a book of the bible, as it has come to my attention that there is sound advice and instruction at the very end of it! The end of Ecclesiastes warrants attention because it makes us aware of our duty as human beings.
Here are today’s verses:
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12: 13 & 14
This is pretty profound! So what does it mean?
” The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
Ok! So scripture shows us that the fear of the Lord is how we begin to have wisdom in our lives. Fearing God begins with knowing who God is. Knowing His mighty and absolute power over our lives. The “fear”of the Lord that we are talking may also be translated to mean respect i.e. respecting the Lord. According to a book called “Knowing God” by J.I. Packer, the fear of the Lord is described as, “the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching and evaluating everything we think, say, and do.” Now, that realization might be overbearing to think about, however, considering who God is, it is certainly a positive notion that our Heavenly Father is so in tune to everything about us. (Where we go, what we say, even what we think!) Since He knows everything about us and is always watching over us to protect us; I believe that this a wonderful reflection of His ultimate care and love for us.
Even Jesus said, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:28
Ultimately, fearing God puts us in an accurate position of comprehension regarding who He is; having the correct perspective of who we are in relation to God is not only the beginning of wisdom but also the beginning of humbleness.
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” -James 4:10 (KJV)
Lift you up! That’s a promise! Not only does the fear of the Lord give us an accurate perspective and wisdom; it leads to humbleness in the sight of the Lord, which leads to spiritual blessings in your walk with God! What amazing gifts the Father bestows upon his children! (James 1:17)
The next part of our original scripture is, “and keep his commandments.” Now, we know that the only way to keep God’s commandments is not by our strength, but by God’s power in us through the Holy Spirit. In Isaiah 64:6, our righteousness (our human righteousness) is described as, “filthy rags.” The truth is, we can not do anything good or righteous apart from God.
Jesus said himself, “”I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” -John 15:5
It is because of God’s righteousness that we are able to reach out to others and share the love of God. It is because of God that we are able to keep his commandments and live holy and pure lives. (What an extreme blessing and honor to be given the power to overcome ourselves through God!)
Ultimately, this is the whole duty of man as stated in Ecclesiastes 12:13. Not only is it extremely beneficial and critical for your life, spiritual growth, and happiness in your relationship with God- it is your duty as a human being to respect God in all ways at all times with your hearts, minds, bodies, behavior, and words- our whole beings.
Overall, those who fear the Lord have a continual awareness of Him, a deep reverence for Him, and sincere commitment to obey Him. Until our hearts are in a right relationship with God, we are unable to have the “wisdom that comes from heaven.”
James 3:17 (KJV) – “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
This is my prayer for everyone today. I pray that 2017 can be a year where you can all grow closer to our Lord and Savior, more than you have ever been; that you are filled with more love, peace and joy than you could have ever imagined. (My personal prayer for myself as well!)
Have a safe and happy New Year everyone; as we look forward to all of the marvelous plans that our Creator has in store for our lives as we seek Him!
Please feel free to leave comments/insights below! Thank you and God Bless!
Lifted Vision Ministry 