This is a translation from Portuguese of a daily devotional written for the saints in the new Northside congregation in São José dos Campos, Brazil.
I am a friend to anyone who reveres You, to those who follow Your orders. Psalm 119.63 IEB.
The people of God are identified in the Bible in various ways. Here, they are described by two qualities found in both Testaments: fear and obedience. These are often seen together in many contexts (such as Isaiah 50.10). Those who fear God obey His commandments.
The psalmist declares himself to be a friend of all such people. This is his way of identifying with the people of God and, even more, of identifying who the Lord’s people are. Fear and obedience mark the boundaries of who truly belongs to the holy nation. There is no doubt about the identity of this people.
We must have the same clarity in identifying the church of God. Not everything called “church” truly is. Not everyone who claims to be a “brother” deserves our fellowship. But we should become friends with those who fear God and obey His commands.
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