Romans 11:20-21 Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.

This chapter as a whole is confusing to many Gentiles today, but at the very least, it should put an end to “Christian” antisemitism. The fact that God would allow the things that have happened to the Jews, His chosen people, should make us realize that God doesn’t play games, and He is NOT Santa Claus! The sermon that triggered the Great Awakening revival in America just before the Revolutionary War was based on this verse: “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31) It is said that when Jonathan Edwards preached that message he read it from his manuscript in a largely uninflected voice; it was the Holy Spirit who worked the words into the hearts and minds of those who heard them, not tricks of oratory. Likewise, Peter tells us, “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17) We tend to focus so much on God’s grace and mercy that we forget why those are absolutely essential! If God were not absolutely serious about dealing with sin, there would have been no need to send Jesus to take the penalty for our sin. He went to the cross, yes, but if we fail to believe and make Him our Lord, then the penalty for our sin remains on us. We take His grace lightly to our peril.

I generally don’t like “hellfire and brimstone” preaching, but failing to express the natural consequences of sin is far from loving toward my hearers. I don’t want fear to be people’s motivation, and all the mess about COVID has only intensified that feeling, but we all certainly need an appropriate fear of God. After all, when even John, the “beloved disciple,” saw Jesus in His glory, the very sight made him pass out! (Revelation 1:17) I too need to have an appropriate fear of God, along with love that drives me to complete obedience. (John 14:15) I grew up surrounded by love from my family, with the awareness that the origin of that love was God, but I must never let familiarity breed contempt in this area. As Paul, Peter, and indeed the whole Bible tell us, I am to be fully respectful in every way, because my God deserves nothing less.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You that we’ll be going to a memorial service today for Phyllis Kaylor, who loved and served you throughout her long life. I pray that everything that goes on would be a comfort and blessing to her husband Leo and all their children and grandchildren, and glory to You. Thank You for the assurance that there is indeed an abundant reward for faithfulness. May today’s events inspire all present to more faithfulness, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!