January 20th

I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” Ezra 8:22

It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31). When we die we will quickly discover who is God and who is not. Even if we did not believe in God, it might
be reasonable to suggest that we should live as if there is a possibility that we are wrong. We might ponder a question in our mind that God asks, “What are the consequences if you are wrong?”

There are many verses in the Bible that describe the character and nature of God. A study of these verses would reveal His gracious hand as well as His great anger towards those who abandon their relationship to God. God is gracious to those who seek to obey Him. It is in this obedience that we can most deeply discover His love and favor.