"The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you.—Deuteronomy 28:9-10
Beloved…How gracious is our God! Think on these two verses…read the cross-references and be blessed! God’s desire for His people, Israel, was that they be a testimony to the world of His love and care for them. Unbelievably, He wants the same for us who believe today. Even as I write this His Spirit who dwells in me is doing that work.
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.—2 Corinthians 3:18
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.—2 Corinthians 4:6
I love that as I draw near to my beautiful Savior, ugly, sinful and unholy me becomes beautiful. So beautiful that others can see that I belong to Him…because by His grace, I begin to resemble Him more and more.
They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.—Psalm 34:5
In Christ, I am “radiantly” beautiful. He covers my sin and shame. He shines through me and reaches the hearts of those around me with His grace and love. Fear is no longer mine because I am secure in Him. The name of the eternal God is written on my heart. I belong to Him and nothing can separate me from His love. Those who fight against me, fight against Him and will perish. It is them who should fear.
No man shall be able to stand against you; the LORD your God will put the dread of you and the fear of you upon all the land where you tread, just as He has said to you.—Deuteronomy 11:25
Beloved…Lift up Your eyes to Him…He wants to bless You. He wants to make Your countenance shine and give you peace.
And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: "Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, 'This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them:
"The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace."'
"So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them."—Numbers 6:22-27
Moses speaking…
"Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'
"For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the LORD our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him? And what great nation is there that has such statutes and righteous judgments as are in all this law which I set before you this day? Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren,—Deuteronomy 4:5-9 (emphasis mine)
More cross reference verses below…
Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.'—Jeremiah 33:9
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."—Exodus 19:5-6
"And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land," Says the LORD of hosts.—Malachi 3:12
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place. For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever; and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.—2 Chronicles 7:14-15
O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name."—Daniel 19:18-19
