Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

A Daily Devotional by Kenton Cheek

15 February 2024

Reading From Leviticus 8-10

“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Moses then said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke of when he said:

‘Among those who approach me
    I will be proved holy;
in the sight of all the people
    I will be honored.’

Aaron remained silent.”

–Leviticus 10:1-3

     Our God is a consuming fire[1] and He has laid out guidelines in His Word as to how He is to be approached and worshipped.  In today’s modern age, anything goes.  Opinions, interpretations, religions, persuasions, belief systems, and personalities are tossed about in a bottomless sea of confusion, contradiction and chaos.[2]  So many millions are lost and floundering in that sea, unmoored from any real truth.  But God is the only Creator of the universe and as such is the only One who has the right and authority to tell it how it is and say what’s what.[3]  Only God provides a solid foundation to build my life upon.[4]  He is to be feared and His ways are to be followed.[5]

     “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”[6]  If I seek to have wisdom and understanding about myself and the world around me, I have to start with knowing and fearing God.  If God is love[7] and perfect love casts out all fear,[8] then what is this fear I am to have of Him?  It is the awe of His glory, the reverence of His power and the knowledge of His holiness.  God is God and I am not.  When I get that, that’s where the fear of God begins and He can fill me with knowledge and wisdom.  He won’t do that until I can admit that I’m not God.  He is.  In that moment I must yield my will to His.  “What is man that Thou art mindful of him?”[9]  All authority we have must be brought into humble submission under His in order for us to experience His peace and protection.[10]

“Lord Jesus, break my pride and bend my knee in humility.  Give me the courage and strength to submit to Your leadership above all else.  Not my will, but Yours be done in my life.  May I have proper respect and reverence for Your power and holiness.  Show me Your ways that I may walk in them.  Reveal to me how You are to be worshipped and followed.  You are holy.  You are worthy.  Enable me to bring You honor and glory.  As I fear You, I will have nothing to fear.  Amen.”

“Who, then, are those who fear the Lord? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose. They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land. The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”

–Psalm 25:12-14

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

–Isaiah 41:10

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[1] Hebrews 12:29

[2] Ephesians 4:14

[3] Romans 9:20

[4] Matthew 7:24-27

[5] I Samuel 15:22, John 14:15

[6] Proverbs 9:10

[7] I John 4:7-12

[8] I John 4:18

[9] Psalm 8:4

[10] Proverbs 14:26-27, Psalm 34:7-9