The Consequences of Sin

Joshua 5-8 How often are we caught with our hand in the cooky jar and plead for forgiveness? Achan saw, and coveted things from Jericho yet had been told that whatever was found was not to be taken. It was not just a thought, of oh, by the way, leave things there, but a command of God. Achan chose to ignore that command. And just like that, he saw, and he took. It is the Garden of Eden sin repeated again. And like Eve, he thought, God is a forgiving God, and He will forgive, and we can return to our life. But this was far more serious, and God would not overlook it. When you know to do right and you willingly choose not to do it is sin. [James 4:17]

Eve and Achan’s sins are similar. They knew the right thing to do but chose to disobey, and what they did not realize, and we don’t either, is that their sin affected others as well. Our sins have consequences, and often others suffer because of our choices. In Eve’s case, both she and Adam were barred from the Garden. In Achan’s case, his whole family and his possessions were burned by fire.
Numbers 32:23 says, “But if you do not do this, then look, you will have sinned against the Lord. And know that your sin will find you out.

If you have sinned, go to God and seek forgiveness lest others also face the consequences for your sin.

Photo Credit: https://buildafoundation.net/category/consequences-of-sin/

“Obedience = Blessing”

Obedience = blessings

Lev 26-27 God desires that His people be a light among the nations. He desires that we obey Him and receive blessings, but just like an errant child who knows what they are to do and not do, sometimes God will allow discipline to correct His children. This is as true today as it was then: “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him.” [Prov 22:15] Like the Israelites of old, today we too face fallow land and fallow hearts. 

How often do we think that these many rules or orders were just for the Israelites and they don’t apply to us because we live in NT times and under grace? A principle is a principle, and God is God. He is does not go back on his word or change his mind, for he is not a human being who changes his mind.” [1Sam. 15:29] God desires that we obey Him now and forever so that He may bless us. Blessings come with obedience and the contrast is also true. 

Just as then, God’s Word is always and forever true: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” [1Jn 1:9] Healing comes when we obey God and His way.

What Do People Say About Us?

zechariah 8 people asking2a

Zechariah 8 The leaders from Bethel had come to inquire regarding the fasts they had been keeping. Should we continue as we have these last 68 yrs.? God did not directly answer that question of them but He did tell them what He required. It is the same answer He gave to Micah and later to James which is “do good, love mercy and faithfulness and obey God.” James added to those words by saying care for the orphans and widows in their adversity.

Instead of directly answering their question, he probed their hearts and saw their hypocrisy. He asked them “did you truly fast for me…and now are you not doing it for yourselves?” An outward ritual of fasting and keeping the traditions is not what God is looking for. Isaiah had prophesied correctly about their hypocrisy. “You honor God with your lips, [and their fasting,] but your heart is far from Him.”

But when our heart is pure and righteous and we do that which God loves, others take note! They want to know why God is blessing us. They want to know the secret of our peace. They will say, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. ”

Are others asking those questions of you? Are you ready to give an answer to anyone who asks about the hope you possess?

 

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