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WOULD YOU DESPISE GOD?
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
1 Thessalonians 4:8

Luke 10:1-16

 

“…despiseth not man,

but God…”

 

WOULD YOU DESPISE GOD?
 
What an abhorrent idea – that man would despise God! It is a thought so shameful, so detestable, so unimaginable, that Paul sounded out a warning here – anyone who rejects or looks down on the teachings of the Word of God is actually despising God!
 
The Greek word translated as “despise” carries the idea of rejecting something, or to regard it as vain or unimportant. In the context of this verse, the warning is to anyone who rejects the warnings of the previous few verses about the importance of one’s sanctification. Paul reminded his readers how important it was to live a life that was pleasing to God, obeying the commandments of Christ, and fulfilling the will of God, that they might grow in their sanctification. Anyone who rejects these instructions is not just rejecting the teachings of Paul, but he is rejecting God Himself! Jesus gave a similar warning in Luke 10:16 when He sent the disciples out in pairs to preach the Gospel. He told them, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” If we reject the servants of Jesus, we are rejecting Jesus the Son of God. And anyone who rejects the Son of God is rejecting God the Father who sent Him.
 
Sadly, this is happening today. Many have turned their backs on God (2 Pet 3:3). In their arrogance, they deny God’s existence, believing instead that this world came through evolution. They despise any thought of a creator, or an objective moral standard of truth or morality.
 
May that never be said of us. In fact, it should be the very opposite. We must have only the highest regard for God. We love Him, fear Him, revere Him, and seek to give Him all praise and glory. Because we have such a high view of God, we also have a high view of His Word. All His commandments are taken seriously, and we seek to obey them without question. We shudder at the thought of ever despising God or rejecting His commands. It would be something most unthinkable.
 
THOUGHT: What audacity, for a creature to despise his Creator.
PRAYER: Father, may I have only the highest regard for Thee, my Master and my Creator.

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