OUR DAILY BREAD 12 JULY 2024 DEVOTIONAL, FRIDAY ODB MESSAGE
TOPIC: Uncovered Sins
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
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KEY VERSE: For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psalms 4-6; Acts 17:16-34
TODAY’S INSIGHT
The final two verses of Ecclesiastes 12 comprise the conclusion to a sobering chapter in which old age is looked at with an unflinching lens. These verses also serve as the conclusion to the entire book of Ecclesiastes—possibly the most depressing book in the Bible after Lamentations. In both the first and last chapters, the author tells us “everything is meaningless” (1:2; 12:8). The bulk of the twelve chapters examine the futility of everything we do to try to find meaning and purpose.
Upon closer inspection, however, we see that the writer does find meaning. That’s why he writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments” (v. 13) for there’s a coming judgment (v. 14). Keep in mind that “the Teacher” (1:1) is writing from the perspective of this life only. Only when he acknowledges the next life does he find purpose and, ultimately, fulfillment.
Our Daily Bread 12 July 2024 Devotional – MESSAGE
A thief broke into a phone repair shop, smashed the glass of a display case, and began pocketing phones and more. He tried to conceal his identity from the surveillance camera by covering his head with a cardboard box. But during the burglary, the box briefly tipped, uncovering his face. Minutes later, the store owner saw the video footage of the robbery, called the police, and they arrested the robber outside a nearby store. His story reminds us that every hidden sin will be uncovered one day.
It’s human nature to try to hide our sins. But in Ecclesiastes, we read that we should keep God’s commandments, for every hidden thing will be brought before His righteous gaze and just verdict (12:14). The author wrote, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (v. 13). Even the hidden things which the Ten Commandments rebuked (Leviticus 4:13) won’t escape His evaluation. He’ll bring every deed into judgment, whether good or evil. But, because of His grace, we can find forgiveness for our sins in Jesus and His sacrifice on our behalf (Ephesians 2:4-5).
When we’re conscious of and internalize His commandments, it can lead to a reverent fear of Him and a lifestyle to match. Let’s bring our sins to Him and experience anew His loving, forgiving heart.
REFLECT: How can you maintain a reverent fear of God? What can you do this week to be conscious of His commandments?
PRAY: Dear God, I repent of my secret sins. Please look on me with mercy and help me live rightly before You.
Our Daily Bread 12 July 2024 Devotional, Friday ODB Message. Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.
