Ever read warning labels, especially those on small appliances? I remember reading a warning label on an iron I had purchased. It said something along the lines of “do not iron clothes while wearing them.” I laughed and thought who would be dumb enough to iron their clothes while they were wearing them?
Then a co-worker came in one morning with a burn on her leg. I asked her about it, she blushed, said she got it when she tried to iron out a wrinkle on her skirt. She explained that while she pulled the skirt away from her leg, she didn’t realize that the steam would go through the material and burn her.
Now this was an intelligent woman, who later went on to become an ICU nurse. I told her that, finally, I met someone for whom warning labels were written. Actually I know lots of people for whom warning labels are written!
Psalm 19 is a song of David. Right in the middle of the psalm, David remarks about the perfection of the law of the LORD, the testimony of the LORD that makes those who heed it wise, the statutes of the LORD that bring rejoicing, the commandment of the LORD that brings illumination, the fear of the LORD which endures forever and the judgments of the LORD that are true and righteous. He adds that they are to be desired more than the finest gold and that they are sweeter than honey.
Then he adds the warning label in verse 11: “By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
God has put forth his law, statues, commandments, and judgments. He has given His testimony in both nature and the written word. To heed them (the fear of the LORD) brings a great reward. While not overtly stated, David reminds us that to ignore or reject them will bring a far different outcome.
Father, may your testimony enlighten us, and your commandments bring rejoicing. Amen!
