The Jesus Bible Reading PlanSample

THE BEAUTY OF THE KING

Judgment is a fearsome thing, and it is coming. God is a consuming fire (v. 14), and because he is, the prophet asked a somewhat rhetorical question in verse 14. Who indeed can live with God’s consuming fire? Who can remain upright when the holiness of God burns away the hypocritical acts of righteousness along with the rebellious sin of humanity? Shockingly, after this we see in verse 17 a picture not of the fire of judgment from just a few verses earlier, but instead of the beauty of the King.

Such is the difference between the perspective of those who have, in humility, thrown themselves on the mercy of the King and those who, in arrogance, have presumed upon his patience. The fact that every human will bend their knee and give honor to Jesus is not a question of “if”; it’s a question of “when.” Every knee will bow. Every tongue will acknowledge. And it will be done to the glory of God the Father (Php 2:10 – 11). Some will bow in great joy at the beauty of the King; others will bow in terror at his judgment. But make no mistake — every person will bend their knee to Jesus.

Jesus, I humbly throw myself on your mercy. I look forward to the day when every knee will bow to you, my King. Amen.