Psalm 33:8-9
Let all the earth fear the Lord. Let all the inhabitants of the world revere him. For he said, “Let it be,” and it was! He gave a command, and there it stood.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Your Word is true; there is a fear in all the earth. Those who do not know you fear your punishment and devise ways to try to appease your anger. They realize their sin and how they will be held accountable for all they have done; they do various things to alleviate their sins. But when they don’t know you, they make it up, including how the world came to be on its own through chaotic explosions. But they think there might be a higher power, aliens, or something out in space that caused it. But, they can only be afraid of you because they do not know you. So they worship all that is around them, hoping they will somehow find you.
Lord, thank you for giving us your Word, in which you told us all about how all the world came to be. It happened by what you said, you gave the command, and it stood. While your creation was perfect, sin entered and separated man from you. And many remain in that state, not knowing you. You told us how you would restore us back to you, promising a Savior. And you let it be for your Word to become flesh, and you Son lived here with us. He not only lived a holy life but also died an innocent death for the world’s sins. So that those who know Jesus would also know your love. Those believing in you, our Lord and Savior, have a reverent fear for you. When we fall into sin, we rightfully fear you and the punishment we deserve, but we turn back to you in faith. Your Word tells us Jesus died for all our sins. So let us place our sins at the foot of Jesus’ cross, where he has given us complete pardon for them.
Jesus died not just for our sins but the entire world’s sins. All those who don’t know you still have the gift of forgiveness waiting for them. It is delivered by faith in what Jesus has done in his life, death, and resurrection. Faith begins by the Holy Spirit through hearing the Word and receiving the sacraments. Your Spirit not only begins our trust in you but strengthens it. Please increase our faith through your Word and then give us opportunities to create relationships with others where we can share the love of Jesus with them, and they too will know you. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Do not be afraid but fear God out of respect and reverence! Because Christ has died and Christ has risen, forgiveness is yours through his love for you.