2Samuel 7:25

The Essential 100® Bible Challenge is a simple tool to read through the Big Story of God's Word. The reading plan is based on 50 Old Testament and 50 New Testament passages. Continue with the seventh part "The Rise of Israel." ®Produced by American Bible Society in partnership with Scripture Union, Inc.

In meditation years ago, I realized there are words God never seems to speak as humans do. One is “Sorry,” a word born from sorrow, imperfection, helplessness, or wrongdoing. Scripture shows that although God comforts His people and even fixes their problems, He never offers a helpless apology. I later noticed a similar pattern with “No” concerning the requests of His children. This does not mean the word never appears in Scripture, but that God does not outrightly reject His children’s requests. Instead, He answers differently. In this devotional, we’ll examine moments where God responded with “Instead” rather than denial.

Among all the kings of Israel’s history, one stands out from the others, unique in character, purpose, and destiny: Jesus, the Son of God made flesh. Though He looked least like a king from outward appearances, He, more than any other king the world has ever known, fulfilled God’s plan of salvation—and even to this day, He faithfully shepherds God’s people, the symbol of His reign not a throne but a cross.

The Bible is quite clear: All men must "fear the Lord." To fear the Lord is to give Him all the respect that He is due. It is to understand, truly, who He is and who we are in relationship to Him. This week, we'll look at what this means and why it is not only obedient for men to fear the Lord but also logical and beneficial as well. By Tim Bergmann.