Thinx 89: Forgiveness Leading to Fear? to Love?

But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

— Psalm 130:4 ESV

"Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."

— Luke 7:47 ESV

I'm trying to figure this out. How is it that forgiveness leads to fear? Is this just an OT thing or is there more to "fear" than just being afraid? Is there more to "love"? How should we respond to forgiveness, both in the short term and in the long?

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2016

Thinx 82: Persecution and Punishment

For their crime will they escape? In wrath cast down the peoples, O God!

— Psalm 57:6 (ESV)

See the psalmist's plight: hounded all day by enemies who twist his words; who watch his every movement, looking for grounds to accuse. The psalmist has enemies who, like wild animals, acknowledge no law apart from their own evil desire.

Note the psalmist's response: He calls out to God in prayer and praise, expressing trust; he acknowledges his fear and declares its remedy; and he leaves the anger, judgment and punishment to God.

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2015

Thinx 80: Infringing God's Copyright

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah

— Psalm 4:2 (ESV)

The science of biomimetics copies what is seen in the natural world and develops products of benefit (usually) to all. Velcro is an example, derived from the structure of burrs.

Sadly, God is very rarely acknowledged as the inventor. His copyright is consistently infringed. I doubt that he's impressed.

Before we point an accusing finger at the scientific and engineering communities, we should also consider our own failure to give credit where it is due.

All that we have and are is directly or indirectly attributable to God's loving provision. For in him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). When we copy his creation and derive wealth and benefit from it, let us honour him by publicly acknowledging the source.

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2015

Thinx 64: Meekness

Last year our church was working through the Beatitudes. I keep finding material in the Old Testament that hearkens back to Jesus' sermon. In this case, meekness. 

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.
-- Psalm 37:11 NIV

This is almost word for word quoted by Jesus 

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
-- Matthew 5:5 NIV

The rest of Psalm 37 reads like a commentary on the whole concept of godly meekness. Well worth reading and thinking about.

© Copyright Bruce M. Axtens, 2011