Today’s Devotional: “Live Long and Prosper”

If you are a Star Trek fan, you would remember Dr. Spock’s raised right hand, fingers parted in the Vulcan salute, saying, “Live long and prosper.”

Actually, the hand sign comes from a Jewish priestly blessing. The fingers, separated in this way, signify the Hebrew letter “Shin,” which stands for “El Shaddai,” or “Almighty God.”

And Spock’s blessing, “Live long and prosper,” reminds me of God’s blessings to those who fear Him, that is, those who hold Him in such high esteem that they should walk in accordance with His word and His ways.

“Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways.” (Psalm 128:1)

The Psalmist says they will be blessed, that is, happy; that their labor and household will be successful and filled with joy; and that, in the end, they will see good and peace.

But what does it mean to fear the Lord? The word “reverence” would be more in line with the true meaning of the word. To revere God is to hold Him in the highest esteem and respect.

Our problem is that instead of reverencing God, we revere and respect humanity, and in the process, we try to bring God down to our level rather than raising ourselves up to worship and bow down to Him.

When we humble ourselves, God will lift us up.

The Apostle James said, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10)

It’s only when we come to the end of ourselves, and at the end of trusting in everything and everybody else, that we come to understand that God’s blessings will be ours only when we fear the Lord Almighty, place Him in the highest place, learn to hear His voice, and walk in His ways.

Only then will we live long and prosper.