It’s interesting to note that this portion of scripture was written specifically to the nation of Israel. Whether His people repented and turned back to Him, or remained faithful throughout, God vows to keep a record of their faithfulness towards Him. Verse 17 deals with God’s remembrance of His people’s hearts and loyalty towards Him when His wrath is poured out in the end times. It seems they will be spared from some of that wrath during the great tribulation as God’s compassion is stirred concerning them. For the church of Jesus Christ, those who have accepted Him as personal Lord and Saviour, and are living in Him – we will be with Him at the marriage feast of the lamb, spared altogether from the wrath being poured out on the earth at that time (1 Thessalonians 5:9-10). These verses are a sober reminder that we are to constantly live in a way where we are working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). The Amplified Classic version says, “…with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ.” This means living a sanctified life – where we have a deep regard for God and His Word, constantly laying down our own will for His Own – in thought, word and deed. In verse 16 we see that fearing the Lord is directly connected to esteeming His Name. Since we have been adopted into God’s family, and have been given His Name – we must live completely surrendered to His Holy Spirit, “…who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” (Philippians 2:13).