Sheltered from Wrath
Those who honor the Son as their refuge, their place of safety, are victoriously exultant because He shelters them from the wrath of God. Show me a man who honors God, and I'll show you a victoriously happy man.
Psalm 2:12 “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.“
Thomas Carlyle once said, “Show me the man you honor and I will know what kind of man you are.” An extremely keen and thought-provoking observation. What does this mean? Possibly, one can know another's values, perspectives, beliefs, treasures, and convictions based on the people they hold with high regard - the people they respect, the people they admire, the people they emulate, the people they idolize. But what about the one who honors God (in the Biblical sense)? What kind of man is that?
This calls to mind the Biblical account of the tax collector praying in the temple (Luke 18:9-14). When I see a man honoring God, submitting himself at the feet of the One who dwells in Heaven and earth is His footstool (Isaiah 66:1; Matthew 5:35; Acts 7:49), fearfully prostrating himself before the jealous God (Deuteronomy 4:24) who dwells in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16) and is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29; 2 Thessalonians 1:8) ... I see a man tucked away in darker corners at a distance, daring not to lift his eyes to Heaven. I see a man overtaken by the pangs of conscience, beating his breast, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”
What kind of man is this? Jesus tells us ... A man forgiven. A man justified. A man exalted. A heavenly joyous and victoriously happy man, because he is a man who repentantly honors God through His Son - Jesus the Christ.
What does this mean for you? Honor the Son as your refuge and you will have abounding joy as He shelters you from God's consuming displeasure against your sins. Do you remember the son who has returned from his prodigal living? The son, though initially disinclined to lift his head, returns to the gracious and merciful father who embraces with unimaginable love. And it is there, a celebratory love feast is enjoyed.
In Christ Jesus, you are justified and have peace with God (Romans 5:1,9; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
In Christ Jesus, the wrath of God is satisfied - Jesus Christ is the propitiation for your sins (Hebrews 2:17; 1 John 2:2; 4:10).
In Christ Jesus, you are saved from wrath (John 3:36; 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9).
In Christ Jesus, happiness/joy await you in everlasting love and joy and mercy (Psalm 30:5; Isaiah 54:8).
In Christ Jesus, eternal grace victoriously abounds over sin and secures us in His unfailing love (Romans 5:20; 8:35-39).
The Father keeps us in His hands (John 10:29). Jesus keeps us in His hands (John 10:28). The Holy Spirit keeps us in His hands (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:14; 4:30).
Take a moment - with your journal in hand - reflect on the Bible verses mentioned above. Share in the comments how the Lord has encouraged you through these passages. Spread the Word.
Linus Nguyen is the founder of Of The Way Ministries and serves as lead pastor of Emmanuel Bible Fellowship (Houston, Texas). He has taught in, developed curriculum for, and written on the subjects of Biblical Studies, Theology, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation, Philosophy of Religion, Missions, Humanities, Rhetoric, and Communications at Secondary, Undergraduate, and Postgraduate levels. // Follow him on Podcast, YouTube, Pinterest, and Facebook.