July 6

Morning

But whoever listens to me will dwell in safety, secure from the fear of evil. — Prov 1:33 BSB

God’s love shines brightest when it appears in the midst of judgment. It’s like a lone star smiling through a break in the storm clouds, or an oasis blooming in a desert. Love, surrounded by wrath, is all the more beautiful and bright.

When the Israelites provoked God with their constant idolatry, He punished them by withholding both dew and rain, leading to a severe famine. But even then, He made sure His chosen ones were safe. While every other brook dried up, one was reserved for Elijah. And when that brook ran dry, God still provided a place for him to be fed. Not only that, but God also preserved a remnant of His people—fifty by fifty—hidden in a cave during the famine, and they were fed from the table of Ahab himself by his God-fearing servant Obadiah.

From this, we can conclude that no matter what happens, God’s people are safe. Let the earth tremble, let the skies tear apart, even if the whole world collapses, the believer will be as secure as in the calmest moment of peace. If God cannot save His people on earth, He will save them in heaven. If the world becomes too hostile for them, heaven will be their refuge.

So be confident when you hear of wars or disasters. Let nothing disturb you, but rest in the safety of Jehovah’s protection. Rely on His promises, trust in His faithfulness, and face the future with defiance against fear. For you, there is nothing to dread. Your only concern should be to show the world the joy of following the voice of wisdom!

Evening

How many are my iniquities and sins? Reveal to me my transgression and sin. — Job 13:23 BSB

Have you ever stopped to truly consider how great the sin of God’s people is? When you reflect on your own sin, you’ll find that it’s not just an isolated fault here and there, but rather a mountain of iniquity piled upon itself. Even the most sanctified of God’s children has a life full of sins. Now, if you multiply the sins of one person by the number of the redeemed—"a number no one can count"—you’ll begin to grasp the immense weight of the guilt for which Jesus shed His blood.

But we get a clearer picture of the magnitude of sin by looking at the remedy God provided. It took nothing less than the blood of Jesus Christ, God’s only beloved Son. God’s Son! Angels bow before Him, and all the songs of heaven surround His throne. "God over all, blessed forever. Amen." Yet He took on the form of a servant, was beaten and pierced, bruised and torn, and finally slain—because only the blood of God’s incarnate Son could atone for our sins.

No human mind can fully comprehend the value of that divine sacrifice. As great as the sin of God’s people is, the atonement that covers it is infinitely greater! This is why, even when the memory of sin is overwhelming, the believer can stand confidently before God’s throne and say, "Who is it that condemns? Christ has died, yes, even more, He has risen again!"

Though the memory of sin fills us with shame, it also serves to highlight the brilliance of God’s mercy. Our guilt is the dark backdrop against which the bright star of divine love shines most gloriously!