September
7, 2003
FEAR
THE LORD AND DEPART FROM EVIL
"Do
not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from
evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your
bones" (Proverbs 3:7, 8, NKJV).
Jesus
is our inspiration and example in life. He taught all to respect
the rights of others and to look upon themselves as endowed
with precious talents, that if rightly employed would secure
for them eternal riches. By His own example He taught that
every moment of time is important, that it is to be cherished
as a treasure, and to be employed for just and holy purposes.
He treated no human as worthless, but sought to benefit and
bless every soul.
Often
Jesus met those who had drifted under Satan's control, and
who had no power to break from his snare. To such, discouraged,
sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest
pity, words that were needed and could be understood. He met
those who were fighting hand-to-hand battle with the adversary
of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them
that they would win; for angels of God were on their side,
and would give them the victory. Those who He helped were
convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with
perfect confidence. He would not betray their confidence or
the secrets they shared with Him.
Jesus
was the healer of the body as well as the soul. He was interested
in every phase of suffering that came under His notice, and
to every sufferer He brought relief. His kind words had a
soothing effect on their heart. Virtue and healing went out
from Him to the sick and distressed. To those who suffered
from the consequence of sin in their life He accepted, healed
and admonished to "go and sin no more" (John 5:14;
8:11).
Job,
in his distress instigated by Satan, declared, "Behold
the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil
is understanding" (Job 28:28). "The Lord said to
Satan, 'Have you considered My servant Job, that there is
none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one
who fears God and shuns evil?" (Job 2:3).
The Lord
has His faithful ones in the earth. And many, when they come
to recognize the controversy between good and evil, choose
to serve the Lord. When we choose Him, He is the One who separates
us from all that is evil in our lives. He is the One who brings
health to our flesh and strength to our bones. May His blessings
and His presence be with you today!
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