Evil

Wouldn’t you like to have a fresh start with your finances? A clean slate on your debt? A full folder of generous giving? Less anxiety about the whole issue of money? Check out today’s passage.

So, check this out. You are your father’s favorite son and your brothers’ worst nightmare. It doesn’t help that you bring bad reports about them to your father and brag about dreams in which they bow down to you. They plan to kill you, mercifully throw you into a cistern instead, and then not so mercifully sell you to a traveling band of Ishmaelites.

What we do today matters for tomorrow. Our actions are not insignificant in the eyes of God. He will finally evaluate every word, thought, and deed. This will take place at two judgments—the Great White Throne judgment (for unbelievers) and the Judgment Seat of Christ (for believers). The final judgments are unavoidable. We will all give an account.

Fearing the Lord is not living in terror and dread of him. That’s what Martin Luther called servile fear—a prisoner waiting to be tortured or executed. Rather, fearing God is a filial fear (filial in Latin means family). This fear is love, awe, and respect for the One who provides us with security and fills us with significance.

He is holy — set apart from all things. Through Christ, God makes us holy.

David knows that God will always do what is right.

He is holy—set apart from all things.

Hold on! One day there will be no reason for your tears!

We live in the middle of “wickedness on earth” as well. People all around us are following the evil inclinations of their hearts and ignoring God. But here’s the question: Is there a contrast between us and the people of our time?