The Duty Of Man

Focus: Ecclesiastes 12:13 - KJV

13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.

Deuteronomy 10:12-16

When a master employs a servant, the latter serves him and does as he is instructed. The servant who fails to obey his master disrespects and fears him not and therefore due for whatever sanction the master portends against him. This exactly is the position between God and man. Man was created of God that he may take the charge of the earth on behalf of the Lord, ensuring that the earth is replenished to God’s satisfaction. How to accomplish that is embedded in God’s different commands. The man who loves God would fear Him and obey those commands strictly. A failure to do so attracts sanctions from God which basically leads to separation from Him, the giver of life.

All through scriptures there are examples of those who feared God and the benefits they got; and those who did not and the repercussions they suffered. For instance, Jehoshaphat was a king. He was assailed by five other powerful kings. He turned to the giver of life who gave him a simple command on how to overcome the foes, through praise. He feared God and obeyed His command, which resulted in him pressing the self-destruct button for his foes. On the other hand, Samson was heavily bestowed with power by God but he had no fear of God and turned against His commands almost in every way. In the end, he fell prey to his enemies and his devastation was a pitiable and somewhat gory sight.

God is simply saying to us today that why must we perish when He created us for life and life abundantly? Why not fear Him that made us for us purpose, and obey His commands and that of no other so that we may be brought to the fulfilment of that same purpose so that eternal life may become guaranteed to us? The Lord is reiterating His promises of goodness of life to everyone that fulfils purpose through the obedience of His commands. Let us therefore, be practical in holding the Lord our God in awe by obeying His commands. The benefits for doing so are huge.

Please pray:

Father, I thank you for the grace of knowing you and understanding that you are Him who must be obeyed. The grace to continue in your fear by completely obeying your commands, please release on me afresh, in Jesus’ name. Please keep me in your promise of life never to stray, in Jesus’ name. And for today, I lay hold on the benefits of obedience through prosperous life and wellbeing, in Jesus’ name.

Please share with others. God bless you.