“And the fear of the Lord will be Zion’s treasure.” – Isaiah 33:6b

Scripture reading: John 17:1-26

The last part of this verse is better translated “His treasure.” There is an anticipation that the fulfillment of the fear of the Lord will hang on one Man and that this one Man will actually fulfill it in all righteousness.

Surely, this one Man is Jesus Christ. He feared the Lord in all things. He was about His Father’s business and He esteemed the smiles and frowns of God far more than anything of man.

Fearing the Lord was Jesus’ treasure, that is, it took precedence over everything else. He came not to do His own will, but the will of God Who sent Him (John 6:38). Fearing God, Jesus not only wanted to do what was right in every situation, but He actually did what was right. Hebrews 4:15b tells us that Jesus is “One who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin”; and Hebrews 12:3 exhorts us to look to Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despised the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Throughout His entire life, Jesus obeyed God, loved Him, praised Him and denied Himself. As Psalm 119 sings with delight in God’s commandments, statutes, rules and precepts, David, in the Spirit, is merely taking up Jesus’ words of praise and delight in His Father’s will. Jesus’ treasuring the fear of the Lord is His glorious righteousness!

Suggestions for prayer

Give thanks to the Lord for Christ’s perfect righteousness and His fear of the Lord.

Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.