Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).
The
conclusion of the whole matter---the essence of human existence, the very
reason for human life is to fear God and keep his commandments. Solomon I
believe after pening down all his words of wise instructions, he still felt the
urge to let us know what is important and central to human existence. Note also
that Ecclesiastes 12 was written to young persons: See vs 1: “Remember your
creator in the days of your youth...“ Clear instruction! He seem to be saying,
“look, you young people, remember God now before its too late“.
Here on earth, we are a part of God's grand design---His bigger plan. We all fit in somewhere in the puzzle: what the theologians call Sovereignty: God is sovereign, He is in charge. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He is not bewildered thinking what to do next. To be more direct, God owns us: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people...“ (Psalms 100:3). We were created to give God glory, honour and pleasure:
Here on earth, we are a part of God's grand design---His bigger plan. We all fit in somewhere in the puzzle: what the theologians call Sovereignty: God is sovereign, He is in charge. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He is not bewildered thinking what to do next. To be more direct, God owns us: “Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people...“ (Psalms 100:3). We were created to give God glory, honour and pleasure:
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. (Revelations. 4:11).
“...for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were
created“. Did you read that? All things including you and I are and were
created for God's pleasure. Now that simplifies life if we come to terms with
that. Whatever we set out to achieve. Whatever dreams and visions we have for
our lives. Whatever we hope to become and whatever we have actually become, it
will be good to keep Solomon‘s words in mind: “Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”
If taken literally, the phrase might
present God as dreadful and frigthening who is out there to unleash punishment
on humanity. To present God as such will be highly preporsterous because God is
love (John 14:16) and “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out
fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love“
(John 14:18). Now, If there's no fear in love, why then should we fear
God? This leads me to the meaning of the phrase “fear God“. “Fear God“ is a
biblical expression that carries the meaning of Reverence --- we reverence Him,
we have faith and trust in Him. We revere and love Him: “Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.“
(Matthew 22:37).
---To be continued
---To be continued
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