Category: God’s glory

The “Terrible” God #7

Thursday, May 8, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

“Terrible” in today’s Scripture means “inspiring reverence, godly fear, or awe.” The LORD God’s character and actions should prompt respect and add solemnity! When writing to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul advised in 2 Corinthians 5:11: “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” This word “terror” is, obviously, etymologically related to “terrible.” Two events terrified the Apostle.

Firstly, Paul feared for Christians (such as the Corinthians!) going to the Judgment Seat of Christ to face a loss of reward for building into their inner man an edifice of junk doctrine instead of sound Bible doctrine (verses 9,10; cf. 1 Corinthians 3:9-15). Secondly, the Apostle shuddered to think of non-Christians winding up at the Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15. These unbelievers, lacking God’s righteousness in Christ, would be destined for the Lake of Fire, where God would deal with their sin by sacrificing their very souls in endless torment!

Whether Christians losing reward of the Judgment Seat of Christ and thereby suffering limited reign in Heaven’s government, or non-Christians losing their souls to the Lake of Fire at the Great White Throne Judgment, Paul kept both classes of people in mind as he conducted his ministry to “persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). Like God Himself, he wanted every non-Christian to believe his Gospel of Grace (“Christ died for our sins, he was buried, and he rose again the third day;” 1 Corinthians 15:3,4)—thereby avoiding Hell and the Lake of Fire altogether. As God Himself wished, Paul desired every Christian to believe sound Bible doctrine, the principles of grace, Pauline revelation, the Word of God “rightly divided” (2 Timothy 2:15)—thus having a reward at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

This two-fold mission of our Apostle Paul agrees with God’s will of this current dispensation: “Who will have all men to be saved [unbelievers made believers], and to come unto the knowledge of the truth [believers maturing in sound Bible doctrine]” (1 Timothy 2:4).

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

The “Terrible” God #6

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

Our 1611 translators rendered the Hebrew “yawray” as “terrible” in Deuteronomy 7:21 (“a mighty God and terrible”), Deuteronomy 10:17 (“a great God, a mighty, and a terrible”), Nehemiah 1:5 (“the great and terrible God”), Nehemiah 4:14 (“the LORD, which is great and terrible”), Nehemiah 9:32 (“our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God”), Psalm 47:2 (“For the LORD most high is terrible”), and Psalm 68:35 (“O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places”).

“Terrible” can mean “unpleasant or bad,” but that is not how the Holy Bible employs it here. It is from the Latin, “terrere” (“frighten”)—this is how the LORD is “terrible.” “Yawray” is defined as “inspiring reverence, godly fear, or awe.” It was translated “fearful” in Deuteronomy 28:58 (“…that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, THE LORD THY GOD;”), “terrible” in Psalm 99:3 (“Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.”), “reverend” in Psalm 111:9 (“holy and reverend is his name”), and “dreadful” in Malachi 1:14 (“…for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen”). See it rendered “feared” in 1 Chronicles 16:25 and Psalm 96:4: “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised: he also is to be feared above all gods.” It was translated “dreadful” in Daniel 9:4: “O LORD, the great and dreadful God,….”

In this way of “inspiring reverence, godly fear, or awe,” JEHOVAH God does “terrible things” or “terrible acts” (Deuteronomy 10:21; 2 Samuel 7:23; 1 Chronicles 17:21; Psalm 106:22). “As when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!” (Isaiah 64:2).

As for the Hebrew word for “terrible” in Jeremiah 20:11 (“But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one:…”), it is “awreets,” which is essentially equivalent to “yawray”—awe-inspiring, terror-striking, terrifying, causing fear, very powerful. It was translated “mighty” in Job 6:23; “in great power” in Psalm 37:35; “oppressor/oppressors” in Job 15:20, Job 27:13, and Psalm 54:3.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

The “Terrible” God #5

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

Of these eight cases the LORD God is designated “terrible,” four times He defends His Jewish people against their enemies. “Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21). “And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (Nehemiah 4:14). “O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God” (Psalm 68:35). “But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten” (Jeremiah 20:11).

Thrice, He is “terrible” as He metes out justice and punishes sin. “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:…” (Deuteronomy 10:17). “And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:…” (Nehemiah 1:5). “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day” (Nehemiah 9:32).

Once, the LORD God is “terrible” while He exercises governmental authority. “For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). Lest we misunderstand the sense of these passages, we now concentrate on studying and defining the word “terrible” itself….

The “Terrible” God #4

Monday, May 5, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

Go to Psalm 47:1-4: “[To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah] O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph. For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom he loved. Selah.” The Psalmist writes about the world rejoicing as God’s literal, physical, visible, earthly, Davidic, Israeli kingdom is founded. King Jesus Christ reigns victoriously as the “terrible” “LORD most high!”

Now, Psalm 68:32-35: “Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the LORD; Selah: To him that rideth upon the heavens of heavens, which were of old; lo, he doth send out his voice, and that a mighty voice. Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God.” This is Christ’s Second Coming leading up to that earthly kingdom of God. Again, the LORD is labeled as “terrible.”

Finally, Jeremiah 20:11-13: “But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten. But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause. Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.” Unbelievers have abused the Prophet Jeremiah. Holding a pity party, he cries out for justice to the LORD “a mighty terrible one!”

Let us review what we have studied up to this point….

The “Terrible” God #3

Sunday, May 4, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

Living in the Persian capital of Shushan, and undergoing the aftermath of the Babylonian Captivity, Nehemiah hears how Jerusalem is still in ruins. Brokenhearted, the Prophet prays: “And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned” (Nehemiah 1:5,6). God is “great and terrible” as Nehemiah considers what has happened to Israel and Jerusalem thus far.

Returning to Jerusalem, Nehemiah consoles his Jewish brethren as they rebuild the city walls in the midst of Gentile oppression and opposition: “And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses. And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work” (Nehemiah 4:14,15). The LORD is “great and terrible” regarding Israel’s foes.

As the Israelites confess their national sins, the Levites pray and preach: “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day” (Nehemiah 9:32). Again, the LORD is “terrible” in the context of Israel’s hardships and deliverance.

There is still more….

The “Terrible” God #2

Saturday, May 3, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

In the larger context of today’s Scripture, Moses in his farewell speech advises Israel about the seven strong Gentile nations they must encounter and destroy as they enter and possess the Land of Canaan under Joshua’s command (see verse 1). Though Moses will be long dead, his successor will lead them into those battles moving westward toward the Mediterranean Sea.

Today’s Scripture with its immediate context: “If thou shalt say in thine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them? Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt; The great temptations which thine eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the stretched out arm, whereby the LORD thy God brought thee out: so shall the LORD thy God do unto all the people of whom thou art afraid. Moreover the LORD thy God will send the hornet among them, until they that are left, and hide themselves from thee, be destroyed. Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (verses 17-21). JEHOVAH God is “mighty and terrible” in connection to Israel’s fear of upcoming battles with intimidating heathen enemies. That God comforts the nation through Moses’ address.

Now, Deuteronomy chapter 10, Moses continues his counsel: “And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,…? Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked. For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment” (verses 12,16-18). The LORD God is “terrible” as touching rebellious Israel worshipping heathen idols.

There is more….

The “Terrible” God #1

Friday, May 2, 2025

“Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21 KJV).

The Authorized Version features eight references to the LORD God being “terrible.” Why?

Before we study the word itself, we ought to read all the pertinent passages. “Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21). “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:…” (Deuteronomy 10:17). “And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:…” (Nehemiah 1:5).

“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses” (Nehemiah 4:14). “Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day” (Nehemiah 9:32).

“For the LORD most high is terrible; he is a great King over all the earth” (Psalm 47:2). “O God, thou art terrible out of thy holy places: the God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God” (Psalm 68:35). “But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten” (Jeremiah 20:11).

How exactly is the God of the Bible “terrible?” Does that mean He is bad, evil, abysmal, awful? Is there something we need to learn about our language? Let us see….

A Lost Love #7

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved” (Romans 10:1 KJV).

Just the other day, an aged friend in ministry for several years now, shared with me the news of one of his recent undertakings. Let us see how his sentiments and efforts match those of Paul in today’s Scripture.

Instead of spite (negative emotions) or “warm fuzzy feelings” (positive emotions), what stimulated Paul to conduct his ministry was sound Bible doctrine he believed in his heart or soul. Here are some facts that constituted his renewed mind. “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his [God’s] sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20). No matter how “good” someone’s religious performance appeared, the Law of Moses pronounced that person to be a sinner who fell short of God’s glory (verse 23). Sinners cannot reach that perfect standard of all that God is (everything He believes and does).

Consequently, every sinner has innately and automatically merited the following penalty: “…unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, [God will render to them; verse 6] indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;…” (Romans 2:8,9). This is man’s nature and destiny. His feeble efforts in religion (good works) indeed “clean up” the outward to some extent, creating an existence that imitates God’s life. Alas, his nature or inward makeup is unchanged. He is still dead in his trespasses and sins, separated from God’s life. As Saul of Tarsus in Judaism, the Apostle Paul knew all about this firsthand. Read Philippians 3:1-11.

Verses 7-9: “But what things [religious works] were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:….”

In today’s Scripture, Paul wanted lost Israel to learn this….

An Ambassador Turns 33!

Saturday, August 7, 2021 🎂

“I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies” (Psalm 119:125 KJV).

Today, a certain ambassador for the risen Christ celebrates his 33rd birthday!

Each and every birthday, as members of the Church the Body of Christ, we are one year closer to keeping our appointment in the heavenly places. We can never be certain as to what might happen to us in the meantime, but our eternal destiny is secure in the Lord Jesus Christ! “And [Father God] hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6,7).

Physical age is just a small footnote in the grand scheme of things. These bodies of flesh and blood are limited, as sin ensures they have an expiration date. Still, our tabernacles of dust will be resurrected and transformed into most marvelous glorified bodies. “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself” (Philippians 3:20,21). Of course, we never know if, prior to our physical death, the Lord might come for His entire Body and we would thereby avoid the grave entirely.

Whatever might happen along the way, it is okay, for it does not compare to the glory of the endless ages to come! “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). These mortal bodies are attached to this fallen world—subject to sin, weakness, sickness, and death—but once we leave them and receive our resurrection bodies, the glory of God hidden in our inner man now will ultimately burst forth and shine throughout the universe!

Brethren, as today’s Scripture teaches us, we are the LORD’S servants—and we gain spiritual understanding as we heed sound Bible doctrine. Not only are we experiencing this life, we are also preparing for the next, so let us make wise use of our time here (Ephesians 5:15-21)! 🙂

Reverend

Thursday, July 15, 2021

“He sent redemption unto his people: he hath commanded his covenant for ever: holy and reverend is his name” (Psalm 111:9 KJV).

Long ago, when I was denominational and silly, I referred to pastors as “reverend.” It was ignorance, plain and simple, a church tradition that I—like billions of others—had never investigated. Then, a Christian brother showed me today’s Scripture. How enlightening! In all the King James Bible, “reverend” appeared once—an adjective for the LORD and not a man (or woman)!

Frankly, when we apply the title “reverend” to someone other than God, we are quite close to blasphemy—if not actually guilty of it. To say it in reference to a person means he or she inspires reverence: the individual awes us, and we have a godly fear toward him or her. This is certainly strange and nonsensical—but, not surprisingly, religion abounds with oddities and absurdities. How egos are stroked, how pride is gendered, when we cry out that flattering title, “Reverend!” (The inflated positions of “right reverend,” “very right reverend,” and “most reverend” are even more ridiculous.)

If we want to address someone in a church setting as “brother,” “sister,” “pastor,” “teacher,” “evangelist,” or “elder,” these are suitable titles. However, we should avoid using “father” in a religious sense, for this is wholly unacceptable (calling a priest “father” is a remnant of Baal/idol worship—Judges 17:10; Judges 18:19; Matthew 23:9). Apostles and prophets were necessary to form the foundation of the Body of Christ, but the completed revelation of the Scriptures has now taken their places (cf. Ephesians 2:20; Ephesians 4:11; 2 Timothy 3:16,17). To use “apostle” or “prophet” to refer to someone alive today is to challenge the Bible’s authority.

Today’s Scripture delineates God’s goodness in fulfilling the Abrahamic Covenant via the New Covenant. Israel, now redeemed, is enjoying Millennial Kingdom living. In accordance with His “holy” (set apart, sanctified) and “reverend” name (inspiring awe or fear), verse 10 closes the Psalm: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” In closing, remember Psalm 99:3: “Let them praise thy great and terrible [same Hebrew as “reverend” in today’s Scripture] name; for it is holy.”