Tag: consequences of sin

Message of Hope

Scripture of hope from Isaiah 4:2
Isaiah 3-5

Psalm 109

Revelation 3

-Devotion by Jerry Wierwille (NY) – Jerry seeks to help believers understand the Bible better through teaching, resources, and the REV Bible, an online translation and commentary being worked on by One God believers through Spirit & Truth Fellowship International.

In the short chapter of Isaiah 4, Isaiah presents one of the most hopeful pictures in the first section of Isaiah, which has been filled with warnings, threats, and impending punishment from their rebellion against Yahweh. While chapter 3 ended with Jerusalem being pictured as a city devastated and humiliated after experiencing Yahweh’s judgment, that is not the last word Isaiah has for the city. The beautiful city of Jerusalem, once a city filled with confidence, wealth, and social prestige, has now been decimated and brought low. Yet, Isaiah now speaks about how that judgment is not Yahweh’s final word for His people. Beyond the devastation and destruction, there is purification, restoration, and renewed fellowship with Him.

The opening words of the chapter offer us a difficult imagery: “Seven women will take hold of one man in that day, saying, ‘We will eat our own bread and wear our own clothing, only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach’” (4:1). This verse continues the judgment of Yahweh described at the end of chapter 3, where many of Jerusalem’s men had been defeated and fallen in war. What the imagery conveys is that the devastation would be so severe that the normal social order would be disrupted. Women would provide their own food and clothing and desire to bear the name of their husband just to avoid the shame and humiliation associated with their circumstances.

And so, Isaiah’s message of distress continues, bringing to a climax the weight of the consequence for Israel’s disobedience and sin. Israel’s rebellion, injustice, pride, and corrupt leadership described in chapter 3 have now left such deep wounds throughout the nation, unraveling the very fabric of their society.

But then the tone of Isaiah’s message changes dramatically. Next, he says, “In that day, the Branch of Yahweh will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be for beauty and for glory for those of Israel who have escaped” (4:2). While the phrase the “Branch of Yahweh” is likely a messianic reference, here it also introduces the imagery of new life growing out of the devastation. This begins Isaiah’s message of hope: what appeared ruined and broken is not beyond Yahweh’s ability to restore. Where there had previously been only judgment, destruction, and barrenness, there will be growth, renewal, and life.

This is one of the great themes that will continue throughout the rest of Isaiah’s prophecy. Yahweh may discipline His people, bring judgment upon them, and show them His displeasure with what they have done, but His purpose is ultimately for their repentance and restoration. Yahweh does not desire to destroy His people. He is working to redeem them, bring them back to Himself, and restore them in the land. But judgment involves removing what has been corrupt so that something new can grow in its place.

The emphasis of verse 3 is on the “remnant” of those living in Jerusalem. Part of Isaiah’s message of hope is that not everyone will be destroyed. Those who remain are described as “holy.” This does not necessarily mean that they were more righteous or better than everyone else. Rather, Yahweh is endeavoring to create a purified people who belong to Him from the ones who are left.

That becomes even clearer in the next verse: “when the Lord will have washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and will have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst by the spirit of justice and by the spirit of burning” (4:4). In the preceding chapters, Isaiah had described Jerusalem as polluted by arrogance, injustice, violence, and bloodshed. But now, he says that Yahweh Himself will act to wash away that pollution. The imagery is quite severe because Israel’s problem was severe. Thus, Yahweh’s cleansing is described as both a “washing” and “burning.”  Both of these images communicate the act of purification. Some purifications require water, and others require fire. The basic message is that Yahweh will remove the impurity of His people so that they will be a new people. He does not cover over the corruption of His people or pretend it is not there—He takes it completely away.

But this reality will only come after Israel has responded to Yahweh’s rebuke. This is an important truth that we should understand as well. We often want Yahweh to restore us without first confronting what needs to change in us. We want peace without repentance, healing without self-examination, and renewal without surrendering. The truth is that the same God who comforts us also corrects us. And His correction is not devoid of His love. It is precisely because He loves His people that He refuses to leave them unchanged…He refuses to leave us unchanged.

The greatest blessing of restoration is therefore not simply that Jerusalem will become prosperous again, and people will dwell in peace and safety. The greatest blessing is the presence of Yahweh. But this can be easy for us to forget sometimes. We tend to count blessings according to our improved circumstances. We pray for problems to disappear, finances to improve, relationships to heal, or uncertainty to come to an end, and so on. Nonetheless, these are legitimate concerns, but Isaiah directs our attention toward something greater: the ultimate gift that Yahweh gives to His people is Himself.

Verse 5 says that “over all the glory will be a canopy,” and verse 6 continues, “There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.” Yahweh’s presence becomes a form of protection for His people. He is pictured as a canopy and pavilion creating shade from the burning heat of the sun and shelter from storms and rain. The people who had previously trusted in national leaders, their wealth, outward beauty, military strength, and/or social status are now being taught where true security and strength is found—in Yahweh alone.

The pattern that Isaiah is addressing here is a pattern that still speaks to us today. There may be things in our lives that Yahweh needs to remove because they have become substitutes for Him, or our attention has become more devoted to them than Him. There may be attitudes, habits, or priorities that need to be “washed away” or “burned up.” Yahweh’s work in us can sometimes feel very uncomfortable because purification requires a change to take place. And we all know how much people enjoy change.

But Isaiah 4 reminds us that Yahweh’s purpose in purification is not to take things away in order to deprive us. Rather, He is preparing His people for something better—a life of holiness, renewed passion, filled with His presence, and marked by His love and protection.

So, when Yahweh exposes something in us that needs to change, we should not resist Him and justify neglecting it. We can trust that the God who cleanses is also the God who restores. The God who removes our false securities and our false loves is also the One who becomes our shelter and strong tower.

Our greatest hope must not be that life will be easy and smooth sailing every day, but that Yahweh will be with us through it all. And when He is our refuge, even the heat of the day and the storms of life cannot take away the security and confidence that comes from dwelling in His presence.

Reflection Questions

  1. “We want peace without repentance, healing without self-examination, and renewal without surrendering.” Have you responded to Yahweh’s rebuke? Are you asking for the good stuff without giving up the bad stuff?
  2. What do you need to be purified from? What has Yahweh already purified you of? What would you be without this cleansing?
  3. Have you considered Yahweh to be the biggest gift He can give? In what ways can you accept this gift today? In what ways will this gift be fully given in the Age to Come?

Prayer

Dear Yahweh, I praise You for Your holiness and Your perfect plan including judgment and purification. I want Your love which incudes Your correction. I confess and repent. I do not want to hold on to things, ideas, behaviors, or attitudes that keep me distanced from You. I want You and the good things You have for me both now and in Your coming kingdom. Help me daily become more of what You want me to be, do, and say, while sharing this message of hope with others as well.

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Forgiven and Grieving, but Still Moving

2 Samuel 19–20

Psalm 57

1 Corinthians 4

-Devotion by Melissa New (AR)

Absalom is dead, but David is not celebrating.

The rebellion has been stopped. The army has won. David’s throne has been preserved. But the king is weeping over the son who tried to take his kingdom from him.

“O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” (2 Samuel 19:4)

To Joab and the army, Absalom was a traitor. He had stolen the hearts of the people, taken Jerusalem, and forced David to flee for his life. He was dangerous and his rebellion had to be stopped. But David did not see Absalom only as a rebel. He saw him as his son.

We cannot say exactly what was in David’s mind, but we do know what was in David’s past. In 2 Samuel 12, Nathan had told David that his sin with Bathsheba and Uriah would bring consequences into his house. The sword would not depart from his house, calamity would come out of his own household, his wives would be given to someone close to him in broad daylight, and the child born to Bathsheba would die.

David repented and was forgiven. Nathan told him plainly, “The LORD has taken away your sin.” But forgiveness didn’t mean that every consequence disappeared.

By 2 Samuel 19, David is mourning the death of another son. The child born to Bathsheba had died. Amnon had been murdered by his brother, Absalom. Now Absalom has been killed by Joab. (Later, Adonijah would also die during the struggle surrounding Solomon’s throne.) The calamity in David’s household was no longer a warning. It had become a painful reality.

David had replied to the prophet Nathan’s parable that the guilty man should pay “four times over.” Whether we count the consequences by Nathan’s words or by the sons David lost, the shadow over David’s house is hard to miss. This is what makes David’s grief so complicated. He was not just grieving a son. He was grieving as a father, as a king, and as a man who knew that his own sin helped bring sorrow into his house.

David had already shown a humbled spirit when he fled Jerusalem. When Zadok brought the ark of God, David sent it back. He would not presume that God would go with him. Then Shimei came out cursing him and throwing stones. Abishai wanted to kill him, but David stopped him. David wondered if perhaps the Lord had allowed even that humiliation.

This is not the attitude of a man who thinks he has done nothing wrong. David knows he has been forgiven, but he also knows he is living in the wreckage of his own failure. Can we relate to this struggle?

We believe God forgives sin. We believe the blood of Christ is enough. We believe God removes guilt from the repentant heart. But what happens when the consequences remain?

What happens when the relationship is still damaged?
What happens when the trust is still broken?
What happens when the family still feels the effects?
What happens when we are forgiven before God, but still have to walk through the results of what we did?

Sometimes guilt and grief can make us passive. We do not know when to speak, when to act, when to defend ourselves, or when to accept the humiliation. David seems almost frozen at times. He wants Absalom spared. He mourns so deeply that the men who saved him feel ashamed. He forgives Shimei. He appoints Amasa, the commander of Absalom’s army, over his own army. He is trying to heal the kingdom, but everything is still unstable and such a mess.

There is humility and mercy in David, but there is also hesitation.

Joab saw the danger in David sitting too long in his grief and hesitation. He was a man of action who saw a threat and dealt with it quickly. He killed Absalom even though David didn’t want this to happen. He murdered his cousin Amasa after Amasa delayed in gathering the army against Sheba’s rebellion. Then he took charge of David’s army and pursued Sheba until the rebellion was crushed. Joab may have helped preserve David’s kingdom, but he did it with blood on his hands. And because he was David’s nephew, Joab’s violence was another painful reminder that this trouble, too, was coming from close to home.

David and Joab show two different dangers. David’s guilt and grief made it hard for him to act decisively.
Joab had no such hesitation, but his boldness was not always righteous. One man hesitated under the weight of sorrow. The other pushed forward without enough fear of God.

Forgiveness does not mean we will always know exactly how to act when consequences stand in front of us. Sometimes we will feel humbled. Sometimes ashamed. Sometimes unsure whether to speak or stay silent. Sometimes we will want to fix everything quickly, but the damage will take longer than we hoped.

When the consequences of sin remain, we still have to do the next right thing. We humble ourselves. We accept what God allows. We make peace where peace can be made. We lead where we are called to lead. We refuse revenge. We refuse despair. We refuse to believe that because the storm is still blowing, God is no longer with us. And even while we are grieving, we keep moving.

David had once prayed in Psalm 57:1, “Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” That psalm came from another season of trouble, but the words fit David’s life here too. He needed mercy while the storm was still raging. He needed God while the consequences were still unfolding.

And so do we.

Reflection Questions

Do shame and guilt sometimes grip your heart and make it hard for you to know what to do?

Do you feel lost to the consequences of sin and like an outsider watching your life with no power to control it?

Does grief keep you frozen and feeling unable to act as a faithful follower of God?

If so, these are all feelings that David probably experienced too. Most likely, many Christians feel this way at times. David is a great example for us because no matter how bad things got for him, he always put his trust in God. He shows us how to turn our focus from ourselves back to the God who loves us. David said, “Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.” Psalm 57:11

Prayer

Dear Great & Mighty God of Mercy and Justice – help me to fear You, and love and adore You to keep me from evil and serve You well. When I fail You, thank You for Your forgiveness. In humility, help me seek to do the next right thing and trust You more and more.

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Justified Judgment


Nahum 1-3

The book of Nahum takes place a century after Nineveh repented following the preaching of Jonah. It took less than a hundred years for the city to return to idolatry, violence, and arrogance. Nineveh was proud of her supposed invulnerability, with walls that reached 100 feet high and a moat surrounding the city that was 150 feet wide and 60 feet deep. The Assyrians, who ruled the city, were known for being an unusually cruel and blood thirsty nation, who were spiritually and morally depraved. Not only did the leaders and inhabitants of Nineveh violate God’s laws, they often did so by preying on God’s chosen people, the Israelites.

The prophet Nahum was a messenger of the divine judgement against Nineveh. The first chapter of Nahum declares the looming destruction of Nineveh and illustrates God’s power as an omnipotent, holy, and jealous God who will punish the wicked to avenge his own. Although He is a jealous God, he is also slow to anger and is long-suffering. Remember, he nearly destroyed the city one hundred years earlier, in the time of Noah. Despite his mercy and patience, His righteousness, holiness and justice prevent Him from leaving the wicked unpunished. Nahum announced God’s specific judgement against Nineveh, interweaving blessings and hope for Israel. Judah was to be no longer afflicted by Assyria, rather God would vindicate them, as He is the stronghold and fortress to those who put their hope in Him.

The second chapter of Nahum vividly details the future assault of Nineveh, at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. God’s vindication is justified through depictions of Nineveh’s treachery against her enemies. In verse 13, God himself declares, “Behold, I am against you” – not something that any person or nation in the world should want to hear!

Chapter three continues to detail the arrogance of Nineveh, as well as details of their fate and God’s righteous wrath against them. Our Heavenly Father won’t allow arrogant or violent empires to endure forever. Nineveh’s fate is a testimony of God’s commitment to bring down the arrogant in every age. God is grieved by the death of the innocent and his goodness and justice compel him to allow the downfall of oppressive nations.

Nahum 1:7 declares, “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And he knows those who take refuge in Him.” May we all humble ourselves before God’s justice and trust in His sovereignty and timing to punish the oppressors of this present, evil age.

Prayer:

God, you are awesome, omnipotent, holy, mighty and just! We pray that our nation, her leaders, and her people would humble ourselves and turn to you. May we submit to your ways, trust in your plans, obey your laws and seek your righteousness. Father, forgive us for putting our trust in mankind and things of this earth, rather than fully depending on you. You are our strength, our hope, and salvation! In your precious son’s name, we pray – Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• How might you react if you were a citizen of Nineveh hearing this prophecy?

• How can the people of Nineveh’s actions serve as a warning for modern society?

• How does this chapter influence your understanding of sin and its consequences?

• How does Nahum 1 influence your understanding of God’s protective love for His people? 

-Beth Osborn

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Ramifications & Restorations

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 13 & 14

Poetry: Proverbs 2

New Testament: Galatians 6

The second day of school has traditionally been my rule day. In the midst of hearing about respect, responsibility and best efforts, students are surprisingly invited to leave the classroom.  “Did you know you don’t have to sit here and listen to me speak another word? In fact, you can leave. You can walk out right now…” Typically someone who I will get to know better as my class clown playfully walks to the door, and then I say, “but you have to deal with the consequences.” Then I lead students down the timeline of possible outcomes that lead to suspension, loss of friendships, poorer relationships at home, less opportunity in the future, and finally, on their deathbed alone, all because they chose to walk out of my class.  Thankfully, no one has ever walked out.

Amnon’s actions are far more sinister than walking out on his teacher.  Acting on his lust, he rapes his half-sister, both a violation and grievous sin against God’s law.  This comes with its own un-hyperbolic chain of tragic ramifications. For two years, his half-brother, Absalom, becomes consumed with calculating revenge. There is discord in the family tree designed after God’s own heart. Ultimately, Amnon’s disregard for divine laws leads to an untimely death. This is the havoc that sin can wreak, even in a single choice.

It is safe to say that most of our choices fall between leaving a classroom without permission and Amnon’s sin. Likewise, the vast majority of time, the immediate consequence lies somewhere between a phone call home and death (although, quick note: all sin leads to death. Rom 3:23)  So how do we stay away from the edge of the slippery slope? Proverbs 2:1-5 gives us an insight:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” 

The pursuit of wisdom from God is portrayed as a protective measure against the consequence of sin, serving as a shield and guide against temptation. It leads us far and away from destructive patterns or downfalls and moves us closer to our good intentions, but better yet, our good God.  

Furthermore, we do not have to fight sin or seek wisdom alone.  Paul beckons the family of God to be on the watch for one another. In Galatian 6 he states, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” This means that offering wisdom to one another in the form of correction and accountability may halt the tragic dominos from falling or make a path forward to clean up the mess, “bearing one another’s burden.” In this way, Joab advises Absalom to deal with his own ramifications, temporarily restoring the rift in the line of David.

We must be diligent to seek God’s wisdom, especially when navigating temptation.  If the chips have already fallen, let the consequence be a sobering reminder that there is opportunity for restoration in God through Jesus Christ. Though it may still hurt in the present, be reminded that the sting and tears are conditions of mortality and not life eternal.  Likewise, let us pull alongside others who are battling, being gracious because of our own shortcomings, running to their defense and offering correction. In this way, we may avoid the siege that comes with a breached wall of will and choose the power of restoration through God’s wisdom and grace.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you more intent upon seeking after wisdom or your own will? What can you do to pursue wisdom more?
  2. How can you be a part of someone else’s battle against temptation and their own will? How can you help, offering restoration with God, to one who is caught in their sin? Give specifics – name who, and your actions to free them from their deadly trap.
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In the Spirit – OR – in the Flesh

Old Testament: 2 Samuel 12

Poetry: Proverbs 1

New Testament: Galatians 5:24-26

In 2 Samuel 12 we read all about how King David is rebuked for his sinful ways and the real consequences he would suffer as a result of his sin. 

9 Why have you despised the word of the Lord by doing evil in His sight? You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword, have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the sons of Ammon. 10 Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 Thus says the Lord, ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you from your own household; I will even take your wives before your eyes and give them to your companion, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. 

Proverbs 1:31 from today’s reading gives us a sobering reminder of what happens when we choose to be ruled by the flesh rather than by the Spirit.


“So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way

And be satiated with their own devices. (NASB 1995)

If we want to avoid disastrous consequences brought on by sin, Galatians 5 gives us some sound advice:

24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 

Proverbs 1:7 further instructs us on how to live wisely:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

Fools despise wisdom and instruction. (NASB 1995)

The Bible is full of examples from which we can learn. Sometimes I read the story of David and think how on earth could he do those things, but then I quickly remember that saying, “As soon as you point a finger at someone, you have four fingers pointing right back at you.” God’s word is a mirror for our hearts. If we are left to our own devices and follow the ways of our flesh, disastrous consequences inevitably ensue. We must make a conscious choice to live and walk by the Spirit. The good news is that we are not irredeemable if we have been led astray by our flesh at one point. The story wasn’t over for David and it doesn’t have to be over for us. We can make that choice to reconcile with God and we can be assured by the parables of the prodigal son and the lost sheep that He will welcome us with open arms. Your story is not over while you still have breath. If you’ve walked away from God, please know His heart yearns for you to return to Him and He will welcome you back with loving arms. The choice is up to you.

Romans 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Did you notice that nothing can cause God not to love us? God forgave King David and He can certainly forgive you.

-Kristy Cisneros

Reflection Questions

  1. What consequences for sin have you experienced or are you still experiencing? What would you recommend to someone (including yourself) contemplating the sin which brought the consequences?
  2. What role did Nathan play in 2 Samuel 12? Who sent him to David and why? As uncomfortable as it may seem, is there someone God wants to send you to?
  3. Living by the flesh or living by the Spirit – what are the pros and cons of each? Which will win in your life?
  4. What does reconciliation with God look like in your life? What blessings did David receive after his sin and reconciliation? What blessings have you received after sin and reconciliation? How would you describe God’s love?
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YHWH Has Left the Building

Old Testament: Ezekiel 10-12

Poetry: Psalm 94

New Testament: Revelation 9

“Elvis has left the building.”   That’s what they used to say to the throngs of screaming fans after one of Elvis Presley’s concerts back in the day.  They would rush Elvis out the back door into his waiting car or bus and whisk him off to safety.  Hopefully, the fans would calm down after they knew he was no longer there… there would be no more encores for this performance.

In Ezekiel ten- YHWH has left the building.  The building in question was the Temple of Jerusalem.  Since the time of Moses and Aaron in the wilderness when Israel worshipped in the Tabernacle, to the time of Solomon and beyond, when they worshipped YHWH in the Temple of Jerusalem, YHWH was present with His people.  They knew that there, in the holy of holies, the shekhinah glory of God was present with his people.  Yes, there was a veil which separated the holy of holies from the rest of the temple, and only the high priest was permitted to enter into the presence of YHWH once a year to atone for the sins of the people, yet they could always look up to the tabernacle or later Temple atop Mt. Zion and know that God was with them.  But no longer.  Ezekiel saw a vision of God’s glory leaving the Temple.  Because of their extreme disobedience and their worship of idols, God could no longer remain among his people.  It was a time for judgment, and God had to leave.  How sad that must have been for Ezekiel, to watch God leaving.

In Ezekiel eleven, judgment is proclaimed against Israel’s leaders.  “You haven’t obeyed my laws” YHWH complains.  “You’ve conformed to the standards of the nations around you.”

God is gracious, even in the midst of judgment, he promises to bring some of them back from exile and give them back the land which he had given to their forefathers.  God promises to bring about change in their hearts.  vs. 19 “I will remove their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”  God still loves His people and offers them hope in the midst of judgment.  Ezekiel shared this vision with the exiles so that they would understand the consequences of their sins.

In Ezekiel twelve,  God warns that even their ruler would be forced into exile.  They kept hoping that this would happen in the distant future, but God assures them that judgment is coming soon.

In chapter thirteen, God turns his judgment from the leaders to the false prophets.  These people told lies in the name of YHWH.  They said “thus saith the Lord” when God didn’t say it.  God condemns them for leading their people astray.  They “whitewashed” over the truth about God’s coming judgment against sin and substituted their lies about a false peace.  “you encouraged the wicked not to repent”.  He blames the false prophets for the sins of the people, therefore, they will come under God’s harsh judgment.

Israel had a wonderful building in which to worship, they had clear rules to follow, they had leaders to teach them, they had priests to offer sacrifices, they had prophets to bring them words from God- and yet that wasn’t enough.  They were not content to live as God’s holy and separate people and act as a witness to the rest of the nations around them.  Instead, they worshipped the false gods of their neighbors, they ignored God’s laws, their prophets failed to warn them for their sins and assured them of false peace when God was preparing to bring his judgment.  It seems not much has changed.  One would be tempted to see the same kinds of things going on today.  How many buildings today allow idolatry and false gods to be worshipped?  How many people falsely claim to be speaking God’s word when they are instead peddling the words of men?  Some days we might even wonder “has God left the building” when we follow the sinful standards of the world rather than remaining faithful to God’s holy word?  We’d like to think judgment is far away just as they thought then… but perhaps it’s much closer than you might think.

-Pastor Jeff Fletcher

(originally posted for SeekGrowLove on March 21, 2017 – so it includes a paragraph on Ezekiel 13 to help us prepare for what we will read tomorrow)

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you see today (worshiping false gods, ignoring God’s word and laws, false prophets) worthy of bringing God’s judgment and perhaps prompting God to remove His presence and glory?
  2. When have you seen God act with mercy changing hearts of stone?
  3. What must we do to welcome (rather than repel) God’s presence and glory in our churches, families, homes and lives?
  4. What similarities do you see today between our readings in Ezekiel and Revelation and Psalm? What does this teach us about God?
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Not Forsaken

Jeremiah 51 & 52

As a junior high teacher, there have been a couple of times when a student’s behavior warranted their removal from the classroom, even after multiple redirections and warnings. The school administrator would assign a consequence, such as on-campus suspension for one to three days, and then the student would return to reintegrate back into our class community.

While this scenario isn’t a perfect analogy to what we read in Jeremiah chapters 51 and 52, it has a few similarities.

Throughout generations, Israel had been warned over and over about what would be the consequences if they failed to be obedient to God’s decrees. And yet the kings over God’s people and the people themselves rebelled, they did evil in the eyes of the LORD. And God cannot tolerate sin. There had to be consequences. 

So God allowed Babylon to capture Israel. God allowed for His dwelling place, the temple built by Solomon, to be ransacked and destroyed. This was the consequence of decades of disobedience. 

But throughout this time, God never stopped loving His people. He longed to see them be restored. And so He made a way. The very kingdom that had caused destruction to Israel, would eventually face its own consequences and be brought down by its enemies. God’s people would be released from captivity. 

What we read in Jeremiah 51 and 52, describes what no doubt was a rough patch for Israel, to put it mildly. And it even foretells what it might be like during the time leading up to Christ’s second coming.

But we can also read it through the lens of how God must deal with us as individuals. Because He is the Holy One of Israel, there must be consequences to our sin. We are destined to be separated, exiled, from Him because our sin and His holiness cannot coexist. But God longs to be in a relationship with us. And so God provides for a way, through Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, for this relationship to be restored. So even though our lives are “full of guilt before the Holy One of Israel”, we will not be “forsaken by our God, the LORD Almighty”.

-Bethany Ligon

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway.com here – Jeremiah 51-52 and James 4

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No Condemnation

2 Chronicles 17-18 & Romans 8

Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of the Kingdom of Judah. We are told that he “sought the God of his father and followed his commands rather than the practices of Israel.” Jehoshaphat sent out leaders throughout Judah to teach the people from the Book of the Law of the LORD. He was a good king, but we are informed of a couple of mistakes he made in his life. In one instance, he allied himself with Ahab, the evil king of Israel. He even joined forces with Ahab to enter a war even though they were warned by God’s prophet that they would lose that battle. When he returns, he accepts the correction from Jehu the seer. We can learn so much from this.

When we find that we have sinned and realize that we have messed up in our spiritual lives, it is so important for us to repent and offer our situation up to God. He will forgive and restore us. Of course, no one wants to deal with the consequences of sin, but God will also give us the courage and strength to face the consequences as well. Paul assures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Let’s remember:

We are God’s children. (Romans 8:14-17)

God is for us. (Romans 8:31)

God gave up his own son for us so He will graciously give us all that we need. (Romans 8:32)

God has forgiven us. He justifies us, declares us righteous in Christ. Do not doubt, because no one condemns us. We are in Christ. (Romans 8:33)

Christ is interceding for us. (Romans 8:34)

Christ loves us and there is nothing that can separate us from His love. (Romans 8:35-39)

God and Christ will help you overcome. We are told that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. What does it mean to you to be “more than a conqueror” through him who loves you? Trust Him to lead you to victory!

-Rebecca Dauksas

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – 2 Chronicles 17-18 and Romans 8

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Dealing with Sin

Joshua 7-8

Yesterday we got to see the thrill of victory, even if it didn’t come as expected or immediately, an incredible victory was given to those who did it God’s way. And the walls came a-tumblin’ down at the battle of Jericho.

Today’s lesson is in the agony of defeat – and what happens when we don’t do it God’s way.

The story of Achan and Ai rarely makes it into anyone’s Top 10 stories of the Old Testament. I don’t believe it has a VeggieTales episode or children’s Sunday School song devoted to it. We much prefer talking about victory and Jericho than sin and Achan. But when we don’t talk about it, it’s so much easier to fall into the pit ourselves.

With their confidence bolstered from the impressive win at Jericho, the Israelites send a small delegation to bring down the little town of Ai. But, instead they are met with strong resistance and lose 36 men in their forced retreat.

Even strong and courageous Joshua crumbles at the news. Defeated, already. Why God? Where were you? Why were we even trying to follow you? What will people say of us now?

Doubting and blaming God comes so naturally. It’s often the first response to tragedy and difficulty. But, God was not impressed with Joshua’s line of thinking. I love God’s answer (perhaps I love it a little less when it is directed toward me, though).

Joshua 7:10-12 (NIV)

The Lord said to Joshua, “Stand up! What are you doing down on your face?  Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions.  That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.

We were having such a good pity party while pointing the finger at God. But, He will have none of it. Israel has sinned. They have violated God’s covenant. They have brought this upon themselves. And they won’t see victory again unless they destroy what has led them into sinning against God.

It is powerful to remember how the sins of one affects so many. My sins have the power to destroy not just me. My sin has tentacles that reach out to negatively impact and harm and destroy those closest to me – my family, as well as my church and my community and even sometimes my nation.

So it was with Achan when his greed led him to steal a few of the treasures of Jericho, just for himself. But as he hid them in his family’s tent, he was utterly destroying their chance for blessing as well. Even the 36 Israelites who died fleeing from Ai would not have perished if God had been blessing their mission. The devastating effects of this sin could have continued to snowball if the sin and the sinner were not revealed and dealt with quickly.

Of course, every tragedy suffered in your country is not a direct result of your own personal sin. But when we turn to blaming God we would be wise to check ourselves first. Perhaps He would tell us, too – “Stand up! _________ has sinned.” Perhaps blessings and victory are being withheld because there is sin in your life, your family, your church, your community, your nation that must be dealt with. Can we trace the defeats of our nation to the sins of our nation? It is easy to think like Achan, that we can hide sin and it will only affect us. But, we are wrong. Sin is serious and it has serious long-reaching effects on many. What are we trying to hide that has led us into sin? It is time to dig it up and destroy it. When we deal with sin, we can have another chance at victory.

-Marcia Railton

Today’s Bible reading passages can be read or listened to at BibleGateway here – Joshua 7-8 and Psalm 59-61

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Jacob in Padan Aram

Today’s Bible Reading – Genesis 29 & 30 and Matthew 15

In Genesis 29, Jacob arrived in Padan Aram and found his first cousin, Rachel, at a well.  I’m immediately reminded of Genesis 24, where Abraham’s servant came to this same place, probably to this same well, and found Rebekah, the then-future wife of Isaac.  We’re not told if Jacob had prayed for God’s direction like Abraham’s servant did in Genesis 24.  But we do know Jacob went there not only to run away from his brother, whom he had cheated, but also to find a wife.  And bonus, Rachel was a virgin and was gorgeous.

After spending a month working for Laban, Jacob’s uncle, and working hard the whole time, Laban asked what wages Jacob would like as he continued to work for Laban.  In Genesis 29:18, we read, “Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.”  He must have really been in love, because we’re told, “So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.”  Wow, that sounds like a romance novel (although I haven’t actually ever read one).

At the end of seven years, there was a big wedding ceremony.  When Jacob woke up the next morning, he woke up with Rachel’s older sister, Leah.  Laban had tricked Jacob, and had him marry the wrong girl!  Personally, I can’t imagine how this happened.  Did Jacob celebrate a little too much to notice who he was marrying?  Leah had to be complicit in this subterfuge.  Did Leah keep her veil on until it was dark?  Did she not talk, because presumably the two sisters’ voices sounded different.  Where was Rachel while all this was happening?

Regardless of the answer to any of these questions, Jacob had been tricked into marrying the wrong sister.  After complaining to Laban, he agreed to work another 7 years for the wife he really wanted, and married her a week later.  

Polygamy may sound wrong to us, but there are several examples in the Old Testament of men marrying multiple women.  Having said that, there are no examples of this working out well anywhere in the Bible.  According to Jesus in Matthew 19:4-9, God intended from the beginning that one man would be married to one woman for life.

Anyway, Jacob had tricked his father, and had cheated his brother.  Now, Jacob was tricked by his father-in-law, and (spoiler alert) he would be cheated by his father-in-law repeatedly for 20 years.

This is an example of a principle that we see demonstrated throughout scripture, and in our lives today.  We read in Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived, God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.”  You may have heard the old axiom, “What goes around comes around.”  Basically, these both mean the same thing – everyone eventually has to deal with the consequences of their actions.

But wait, God had promised rich blessings to Jacob.  Shouldn’t God have prevented Jacob’s problems?  Sorry, it doesn’t work that way.  Followers of God are promised, in 1 John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  This takes away God’s punishment for our sins, but it doesn’t take away the natural consequences of our actions.

Despite this, we can still rely on another promise, found in Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

In his early life, Jacob was opportunistic and deceitful – looking out for number one.  After working for Laban for 20 years of hardships, Jacob grew to understand that God was looking out for him (See Genesis 31: 38-42).

I think this isn’t just the story of a historical character and his family.  I think these truths still hold true for us today, and we can learn from them.  God will forgive us if we confess and repent.  But we will receive natural consequences for our actions.  Despite this, if we are living in a right relationship with God, everything, even those natural consequences will turn out for our good.

There is an easier way.  We can save ourselves a lot of pain and trouble by just following God from the start.  But we each have to make that choice for ourselves.  What’s your choice?

–Steve Mattison

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