Fear God..for judgement comes

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments

North Norfolk

As I write this blog we have just returned from a short break to Norfolk; some of my friends will think that I always postpone blogs until after breaks. Norfolk was a new place for us especially on the coast, with the incredible views, but also the wondrous site of the black glossy heads of the common seals bobbing over the breakers. We found ourselves in conversation with a couple from Yorkshire who made a monthly trip to the Norfolk Broads; they forsook the Yorkshire dales with its rugged outlook for the immense open Norfolk skies. 

Even at night, as we were in a secluded place and away from the Midlands light pollution, we saw the heavens filled with those beautiful star constellations which I was able to verify with my new app and my knowledgeable wife. So with stars and seals and sky and sea, what could be a better place to jump in, than the book of revelation?

 In chapter 14:6-7:

Then I saw another angel flying in mid-air, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth – to every nation, tribe, language and people.  He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.

In recent years, I have returned to this passage many times and conclude that it is an enduring, unequivocal, declaration of truth. The Old Testament wisdom literature also concludes with something similar in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14:

Now all has been heard;

here is the conclusion of the matter:

Fear God and keep his commandments,

for this is the duty of all mankind.

For God will bring every deed into judgment,

including every hidden thing,

whether it is good or evil.

Today we heard news about the floods in central Europe; they were accurately forecast and the authorities predicted the rising river levels and the ensuing floods. Residents were warned that a flood would come and that they should leave their homes. But despite the warnings from the authorities, some residents did not leave their homes. We all know, if we’re honest, how hard it would be for us to act on such a warning, even from trusted authorities. It’s especially after we have experienced a relatively comfortable lifestyle for many years. 

While we were walking around Norwich cathedral I was arrested by an image that I caught with my phone, but you can easily look up on the internet, search for  ‘Thomas Gooding’ or ‘the skeleton’.

Thomas Gooding was buried vertically inside Norwich Cathedral - in order that he could spring up and be first into heaven. His tomb is now known as 'the skeleton'. It features a wonderfully poetic epitaph:

All you that do this place pass bye

Remember death for you will dye.

As you are now even so was I

And as I am so shall you be.

Thomas Gooding here do staye

Wayting for God's judgement day.

If you have read this far, then read the epitaph again for this seems an appropriate place to conclude.

Author: Richard Windridge

May God bless and enrich your life

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