The Power of Obedience: Unlocking God’s Promises Through Holy Fear
Devotional Guest Post: Debra Wynn
Leviticus 26-27, Romans 2, Psalm 128
He says what He means and means what He says.
Reading Leviticus and paired with Romans, to be honest, took a few days to digest. Dare I say, the Fear of the Lord was palpable.
Father God, Creator of the Universe, The One and Only God, is so magnanimous with all He desires to give! He Who made all things (visible and invisible) gives a litany, a plethora of Ifs and Thens!! IF we would just “obey,” He says, “then . . .”
If and when we acknowledge/regard/listen and rightly respond, God then responds with such unfathomable generosity: salvation, life everlasting, freedom, provision, safety, victory, access, peace, a lasting inheritance — a continuing legacy of fruitfulness! AND, of course, best of all, He dwells and walks among us, lives within us, and is Our GOD! His LOVE is not transactional — He loved us first, when we were yet sinners — but His BLESSINGS are a response to our “yes” to Him.
His covenant? He says what He means and means what He says.
Now, while reading the counterweight (the results of disobedience), again the fear of the Lord was evident, the holy reverential fear of the Lord, but this time I could hardly breathe. THIS is no “game.” In truth of fact, the most sobering and serious scenario possible. The heaviness, the dire consequences from NOT listening or regarding, spurning His word, “abhoring” His rules, it cannot be overstated how catastrophic. The ungodliness suppresses the truth and then exchanges the truth about God for a lie. And because they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a debased mind. The Fear of the Lord indeed! Oh, The dread and awe to be in the hands of an Angry God . . . who can stand? And yet, He is just and right to judge accordingly.
He says what He means and means what He says.
“The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Prov 9:10. And Prov 1:7 says, “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” It appears we don’t like being “told” what to do or how. We just don’t know Who God is! John 17:3 says, Eternal life is KNOWING God.
And another related scripture says “The fear of the Lord is His treasure.” (Isaiah 33:6b) wow! God so values our regard for Him (holy reverential fear) that He responds by blessing exponentially with even more wisdom and understanding, this being the foundation or primer for every other blessing!! Yes and amen!
Fear-based fear vs holy reverential fear. The latter is God-given, a blessing of His covenant. He forgives our rebellion when we yield . . . not from the fear of punishment alone, but from the holy fear of adoration and simple devotion.
I still refer to many children’s books and resources when simplicity seems out of reach. In simple terms, then, Obedience is defined as “doing what you are told immediately with a happy, submissive spirit.” Do we, I dare ask, respond in kind? quickly with a good attitude, yielding fully?!? TRUE obedience is a heart issue, agree? A matter of the heart! By faith, not works!
Well, GOD, the PERFECT parent, THE FATHER, has perfected any and all commandments and instructions, all designed for our own and best good! Security and safety from harm! We need God to survive, Friends! We need God to love God . . . and others. God’s love births obedience, and yet, it’s also a choice. By faith, we choose to obey. It is written, If we love God, we will obey. Remember, the first fruit of the Spirit is love and spawns all the rest. May we choose by God’s grace to walk by the Spirit from faith for faith!
From faith for faith, as it is written, the righteous live by faith. (Hab 1:4; Rom 1:17b) I believe it!
Have you ever attempted to teach a toddler to swim? Unless you’ve put your little one in as a “tiny tadpole” and let them have at it – they actually hold their breath and wiggle their little limbs in sync – you’ve got to COAX that young one off the edge! “Jump,” we say, as they cry! “Come in! You can do it! Jump to me,” as they scream. They’re terrified; it’s frightening; it’s unknown! BUT because they love us because we’ve loved them, because they trust us because we’ve loved them, because they’ve been safe (up till now!) because we’ve loved them, eventually, with coaxing, they finally, from trust by trust, let us guide them in. We catch them; we hold them; we save them from their fears and harm. We help them back to the ledge, turn them around, and start again. Does Father God do any less?!?!
He says what He means and means what He says.
It is written IF we love, we will obey … quickly, cheerfully, and with a submissive spirit. We will trust! we will jump! we will respond! we will defer! because we believe by faith (and experiences over time) God knows best. And even IF there were no blessings, may we yield with a “But Your Will, Lord.” And all For the sake of His name. (Rom 1:5)
The Creator of the Universe has revealed Who He is by nature (so there is no excuse) and by His word! When life is in dark chaos (our Emmaus walks), may we have open ears and eyes of the heart as HE opens the scriptures (for it is written!) and reveals Himself as He Is! His word and The Spirit, The Holy Spirit, witness and teach us everything we need for He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. And NO man comes to the Father but by Him …
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One last thought: Speaking of blessings, Psalm 128 mentions our children will be like “Olive shoots.” Known for longevity (2000 years old); prolific (still produces fruit even at 1600 years old); indestructible root systems; drought resistant (little water needed); generous harvests (400lbs annually and over 865 million in the world); ancient (over 6000 years old); healthy (containing antioxidants, healthy fats and fiber); and last but not least, sacred (a symbol of wisdom, abundance, glory and peace; fertility, power and purity.)
The BLESSING OF BLESSINGS is overwhelming — for us, our children and their children!! Friends, HE is our blessing!
Father, we declare anew our desire and will by faith to yield and obey with all our being! Thank You, God, You’ve made a way. We repent of all and anything unholy, we confess and will make right. We believe Your covenant! Your word is flawless! You say what You mean and mean what You say! You’ve given Your word and we believe You! We love You with all our heart and soul and mind and strength! Jesus, You say just Do all that we can. (Mark 14:8.) we say Yes!
May You, Jesus, receive all the reward of Your suffering!
Deepening Faith: Reflective Journal Prompts
- Reflect on the concept of “fear of the Lord” as mentioned in the post. How does distinguishing between fear-based fear and holy reverential fear change your understanding of obedience and devotion to God?
- Debra Wynn talks about the importance of simple obedience — doing what you’re told immediately with a happy, submissive spirit. Identify areas in your life where obedience to God feels challenging. What steps can you take to cultivate a heart of immediate, joyful obedience?
- Consider the blessings listed in Psalm 128, especially the metaphor of children being like olive shoots. How does this image influence your perspective on God’s blessings and the legacy you wish to leave for future generations?
- The post highlights the importance of knowing God to truly love and obey Him. Reflect on John 17:3, “Eternal life is KNOWING God.” What practical steps can you take to deepen your knowledge and relationship with God?
- The author draws a parallel between teaching a toddler to swim and our faith journey — trusting God enough to “jump” despite fears. Reflect on a time you had to trust God amidst fear or uncertainty. How did that experience strengthen your faith and trust in Him?
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