+DEV+ By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]

Date: March 25, 2013 11:18 PM
Topic: +DEV+  By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]

By Grace: Key to a Treasure [13 of 27]

"[The LORD] will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is the key to this treasure." (Isaiah 33:6)
Scripture Focus: Isaiah 33:1-6

Back in the early 1980s, I studied Proverbs in some depth. The key to understanding any book of the Bible is the key of which Isaiah speaks here - "the fear of the LORD." To define its meaning, I developed an acronym using the word FEAR.

"F" stands for "faith." The key to a rich store of salvation is faith in Christ - trusting in His life, death, and resurrection.

"E" stands for "enjoyment." The Westminster Shorter Catechism states that we are to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. Christ is to be our real and only source of satisfaction.

"A" stands for "active obedience." I will never understand the Bible unless I am eagerly willing to do what it says. Many scholars know the Bible intellectually, but do not know its Author because they've never sought to obey Him.

Finally,

"R" stands for "reverential awe." Jesus is our great Friend by His grace. But He's not our buddy. We approach Him in His rich majesty and in the respect due to Almighty God. This treasure is ours by His grace alone.

Insight: The "treasures" of this world are nothing compared to knowing the rich and everlasting treasure we have in Christ.




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.