Proverbs 10:29 The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous,
but it is the ruin of those who do evil.

This verse brings to mind 2 Corinthians 2:14-16. “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of Him. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life.” People’s perceptions change, often 180 degrees, depending on their attitude and viewpoint. We often speak of God’s promises as comforting and encouraging, but God also promises destruction to those who stubbornly reject Him. That is exactly what this verse is talking about. It says, “The way of the Lord,” but it could just as easily say, “The Word of God,” or even, “The Name of the Lord.” (Proverbs 18:10) When we are committed to obedience, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1) When we are in active rebellion against Him, He is the most fearsome enemy you could imagine, because He is omniscient and omnipotent. I have heard numbers of people say that’s not fair; God shouldn’t save only those who toe the line. That’s a rebellious spirit speaking right there! God’s laws, His “way,” are given for our good, because God knows what will lead to the very best outcome for us in every area. However, the devil has been whispering that God is devious and a liar, ever since the Garden of Eden. When we swallow the devil’s lies, we earn for ourselves the same destruction that is the devil’s ultimate fate. The thing of it is, every human being has swallowed the devil’s lies to at least some extent, so that is where the cross comes in. It is by grace through faith that we get off of the devil’s way to destruction and on to God’s way to life. However, we will never do that until we repent of rejecting God’s way and humbly choose to obey Him.

This is of course as true for me as it is for every other human being. It didn’t matter that I was raised in as Christian a home as you could ask for, I still had to acknowledge my own sin before God, repent, and receive His forgiveness. I might not have the same sins on my record as someone else, but I have plenty, and it is only the blood of Christ that can wash that record clean, mine or his. This is of course the Gospel that I preach, and I must never stop doing so. As I preach and teach on various aspects of the Christian life I must never get away from this foundation, or it all becomes meaningless. It is as I walk in obedience and keep my own repentance up to date that I will be able to invite others to join me in walking in God’s way, for our salvation and His glory.

Father, thank You for the magnificence of Your plan. Thank You for the incredible privilege of sharing that plan with others. May I be increasingly effective in doing so, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!