Thursday, March 3, 2016

In the company of dread versus the company of the Lord - Ruminating in the Word of God.

The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Psalm 14:5,

"There they are, overwhelmed with dread, for God is present in the company of the righteous."

"They" in the above verse refers to the "evil doers" of verse 4; and the fools who say in their hearts "there is no God", verse 1. It is clear they are overwhelmed with the dread that comes from living in the camp that is estranged from the Lord. Compounding this dread is the realization that there are others who are not in their plight, but because these others have embraced the Lord in faith, they have the Lord's complete love and acceptance of them. The Lord has made his abode with them, he makes his company with them.

These others, who are overwhelmed with dread live in an animosity towards those who dwell in the "company of the righteous." Whether they particularly feel this dread in this life, or not until the next, they are all destined for it. God has reserved all who have failed to embrace him in faith for his judgment. "Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15.

In the meantime, as I say, these "evil doers" and "fools" live in hostility toward all who reside in God's camp. In reference to these evil doers and fools, John says, "Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you." For John, these evil doers and fools are those that make up "the world".

Jesus explained why these evil doers and fools continue in their rejection of God, claiming there is no God. He told Nicodemus, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed." John 3:19-20.

Those who reside in the company of the righteous are those who have spurned the draw of their sinful nature to embrace Jesus Christ in faith.

It is not difficult to see why fools and evil doers live in dread and in an animosity toward the righteous, toward believers. Resentment and hostility springs from the condemnation felt by those who have had their choice for sin over the Lord rejected in the choice believers have made.

But as for me, a true evil doer and fool of the past who has found his way to the Lord, how I am stunned in grateful appreciation and adoration for my Lord who has made a way for a sinner like me into his company!

How about you?

Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!

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Trevor Fisk

trevor.fisk@gmail.com

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