November 16, 2018 - - Isaiah 66:2 - - Tremble at the Judgment of God

For all those things My hand has made,

And all those things exist,”

Says the Lord.

“But on this one will I look:

On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit,

And who trembles at My word.

Isaiah 66:2 NKJV

What would cause the Christian to tremble at the Word of God? For the last couple of weeks, since reading this verse in devotions and coming across it in an audio sermon, the concept of trembling at the word of God has gripped my imagination.

Consider these words:

For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?

I Peter 4:17 NKJV

We tremble at the Word of God because God is using it point us to Christ. God uses the Word to judge Christians and cleanse us and prepare us to be the spotless Bride of Christ.

As Christians we are pretty content with ourselves. I confess I do not engage in much self-examination, so that sin is cast away from me and the good I should do is embraced. It is altogether too easy to be lazy in our faith and tolerant of our habitual sins. It is the Spirit of God Who takes the fiery Word of God and refines us. Such judgment by fire ought to cause us to tremble at the Word. And this word ought to give us joy-filled hope. For God the God Who claims us as His children in Christ is preparing us to be a holy people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, fit to live with Him for eternity.

Jesus, Captain of our Salvation, we can have no other master, our hearts must be Your throne, our lives we give, henceforth to live, O Christ for You alone. Spirit of God, hold us and keep us through the circumstances sent to purify us and the refining fires of trial so that we will be presented without spot or blemish and with great wonder and joy before the throne of our Glorious Father. Amen.