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Intention

To discover that ‘the fear of the Lord’ is the foundation of God’s command to be fruitful and multiply.

Scripture

“Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.’”

– Genesis 1:28

Reflection

In Genesis 1:28, God blesses humankind and commands them to be fruitful and multiply.

This key verse follows shortly after Genesis 1:26, which says, “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’”

The command to be fruitful and multiply (Genesis 1:28) is an extension of the command for God’s image bearers to have dominion over the earth (Genesis 1:26).

As His image bearers, God intends us to have His likeness (Genesis 1:26). As He is pure, we, too, are each called to that purity. We are to be holy, as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15).

That means sexual purity – essential for marriage and raising children as God intends – is key to what it means to reflect God’s image and likeness.

Psalm 128:1–6 also picks up about being fruitful and multiplying. But it also links being fruitful to the concept of ‘fearing God’. The psalm states, “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways.

“When you eat the labour of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table.

“Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD. The LORD bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Yes, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!”

Healthy awe and deep respect for God – the ‘fear of the Lord’ – are foundational to the blessings of having children and seeing your grandchildren.

Sexual union in a godly marriage is a holy act (Genesis 2:24). Now one flesh, the husband and wife can make more image bearers, according to God’s likeness, generation after generation. In so doing, husband and wife fulfil God’s original intent expressed in Genesis 1:26–28.

Each human on the planet has an opportunity to be blessed with the fullness of God’s image and likeness. This is thanks to the blood of the Messiah, the risen Christ, and His gift of repentance.

Once we repent and come into His kingdom (Acts 3:19) – no longer playing church – He gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit, our Teacher.

If you’ve not followed His path of purity in sex, take the time now with the Holy Spirit to repent. If you confess that sin, He’ll forgive you! (1 John 1:9).

You can then experience His joy as you carry out His Word. 2 Corinthians 6:17–18 calls us to “be separate” and “not touch any unclean thing”. As we do so, God promises that He “will welcome you. And I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me”.

The next verse concludes, “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Video

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We want to be a people who show the fruits of repentance, a people who have a healthy awe and deep respect for You – the ‘fear of the Lord’.

Holy Spirit, please teach us to be holy as You are holy; pure as You are pure. We desire to be separate from this world, displaying Your likeness and nature, for this is the foundation of fruitfulness.

Amen.

Author Bio

Pastor Jeff Daly is the Founder and Executive Director of National Day of Repentance, a ministry focusing solely on personal and national repentance. This ministry provides resources, including days of repentance in a number of nations, to encourage the Body of Christ in preparation for the Bridegroom’s return.

Prayer Points and Purpose for October 2024

1. Revival and restoration of sexual integrity to renew the individual, revitalise marriages, restore families and protect children. Hebrews 13:4
2. Revival, repentance and reformation of Australia. 2 Chronicles 7:14
3. Revival, repentance and reformation of America. 2 Chronicles 7:14
4. The Lamb that was slain may receive a reward for His suffering. Revelation 5:12

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