Psalms 112:1 Praise the Lord.
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who finds great delight in his commands.

This Psalm could be said to describe the ideal life, so it’s appropriate that it starts with this verse that describes the touchstone for all such blessing. The NIV and some other modern translations translate everything in this verse, but the Japanese, as well as many English translations, start it with the original Hebrew: Hallelujah! I really feel the meaning of that term has been communicated widely and well enough to use it freely, and it is certainly an integral part of Christian worship the world over. That said, the rest of the verse is rather interesting, because we don’t usually associate fear and joy or delight. However, looking around us today, it’s obvious that those who don’t fear God don’t really care what He has to say, much less delight in it. We have to start with the fundamental awareness that God is God. In other words, we have to realize that He is both omnipotent and perfectly holy, so He isn’t going to put up with sin. When we realize how sinful we are, that should give us a healthy fear of God! However, that very same God teaches us how to be obedient to Him and walk in His grace and mercy, and that is indeed something to rejoice about. The person who realizes how fundamentally scary God is, but at the same time how loving, compassionate, and merciful He is, is blessed indeed, because they have a firm moral compass to guide them through life.

I was raised with a knowledge of God, but my fear of Him was all too often deficient. That led me to count on His blessings without being careful of my obedience, and I tripped up pretty badly, more than I like to think about. As a pastor I don’t want to give people the image of God sitting up in heaven with a big stick, just waiting to whack us when we get out of line. Far too many people have that very image, so they spend their lives trying to avoid God. Rather, I need to give people the understanding that God is omnipotent and holy, but the consequences of our sins are things we bring on ourselves; God has provided absolution and cleansing through the blood of His Son. When we are in Christ, we have nothing to fear. This is of course the Gospel I preach, but so few seem to believe and receive it! However, I am never to give up, but keep proclaiming the power, holiness, love and grace of God, so that as many as will may be saved.

Father, just yesterday I was talking with other missionaries about the pall that is over this nation, oppressing the people spiritually and blinding them to the necessity and possibility of salvation. I pray that in this year You would break through that pall, dispelling the darkness with the light of Your truth, so that the many who are already drawn would be set free to follow through and come into Your kingdom, drawing many others with them, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!