Fear God without God || Hebrews 10:30-31 || Manna for the Mind #114

Welcome to Day 114 of the “Manna for the Mind” devotional! This series is about taking scripture passages (typically 1-3 verses) and building our understanding of their teachings through their context and connecting scripture. I believe that doing this helps us understand how to be the type of human that God created us to be.

Today’s passage is Hebrews 10:30-31, which discusses the fear and judgment of God.

Hebrews 10:30-31

AMP	NLT	MSG
30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine [retribution and the deliverance of justice rest with Me], I will repay [the wrongdoer].” And again, “The Lord will judge His people.”	30 For we know the one who said, “I will take revenge. I will pay them back.” He also said, “The Lord will judge his own people.”	30-31 He was quite explicit: “Vengeance is mine, and I won’t overlook a thing” and “God will judge his people.” Nobody’s getting by with anything, believe me.
31 It is a fearful and terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God [incurring His judgment and wrath].	31 It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

God has incredible power and can deliver a terrible punishment. This passage shows a glimpse into the holiness of God. God rules over all with unlimited power and perfect justice; he will do as he promises. We often talk about God’s judgment and justice in a negative light. However, it’s important to remember these features of God. God’s judgment is something that we’ll face with our decision-making. Judgment isn’t a punishment but a response to our decision. It could be positive, but it might not. God’s justice is something that is a response to that judgment. There could be vindication for a positive response, and there could be a punishment for a negative response. Understanding these concepts enlightens us and gives us a more profound knowledge of God’s ways.

God’s judgment is for those who reject his mercy. For them, falling into God’s hands will be a dreadful experience. The excuses will be worthless, and they will find the truth too late. However, for those who accept Christ’s love and salvation, the coming judgment is not cause for worry. The salvation of grace provides a fearless life. Those who know about God and choose not to follow him will face the consequences of that decision. The end times will come, and they will face the ultimate truth. Those who accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and receive salvation from God for their sins will live eternal life.

2 Corinthians 5:11

AMP	NLT	MSG
11 Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord [and understand the importance of obedience and worship], we persuade people [to be reconciled to Him]. But we are plainly known to God [He knows everything about us]; and I hope that we are plainly known also in your consciences [your God-given discernment].	11 Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. God knows we are sincere, and I hope you know this, too.	11 That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure. It’s no light thing to know that we’ll all one day stand in that place of Judgment. That’s why we work urgently with everyone we meet to get them ready to face God. God alone knows how well we do this, but I hope you realize how much and deeply we care.

Having a “fearful responsibility to the Lord” shouldn’t paralyze us believers for worrying about God’s judgment. On the contrary, knowing God’s perfection and that he will judge everyone’s actions should inspire us to serve God and help others. Understanding that God’s judgment will be something we all face, we should be motivated to encourage and help others live a godly life. The conversation about your soul and eternal life is an awkward one. Still, we should always inspire people to live their lives to live eternally. They must understand what our eternal life represents and how it’s a paradise of love, happiness, and compassion.

The fear of the Lord also frees us from life’s anxieties and worries. Knowing that God is for us can keep us unafraid of evil forces – people, governments, or the forces of nature. God takes care of his creation. The fear of God is an uncommon courage to get through life’s troubles. The evil forces of the world will try to take us down and turn us away from living a godly life, but God protects us. His guidance and protection give us the strength to overcome and will show us how to overcome or suffer if we try to do it without. It’s a bold and brash statement, but this is the reality of fearing our loving Creator.

Father God, thank you for understanding what it means to follow and not follow you. We know that the path of following is the healthiest route. We know that trying to do life without your guidance, your wisdom, and your love and mercy is a life full of struggle, anxiety, and stress. Help us to stay in your ways. It’s in your name, we pray. Amen.