~ Sin, forgiveness and consequences… ~
Then David said to God, “I have sinned greatly by doing this. Now, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing.”
The LORD said to Gad, David’s seer, “Go and tell David, ‘This is what the LORD says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.’ “
So Gad went to David and said to him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Take your choice: three years of famine, three months of being swept away before your enemies, with their swords overtaking you, or three days of the sword of the LORD – days of plague in the land, with the angel of the LORD ravaging every part of Israel.’ Now then, decide how I should answer the one who sent me.”
— 1 Chronicles 21:8-12 (NIV) —
What makes SIN so evil? It is harmful to not just yourself but also to those around you. David was the leader of kingdom. Many looked up to him and watched his actions and wanted to be him. So when David sinned, it affects David’s life, but it also has consequences for those who he was leading.
We are forgiven by the grace and mercy of God. The price for sin has already been paid. Paid in full by Jesus, redeemed by blood. So that we may sin, and yet still have eternal life. So then, if we have the gift of eternal life, why should we avoid sin and aim for holiness? Consequences. In the case of David, the consequences of his sin spread across the entire nation.
We are all connected, sin is not just something personal. It is something that must be dealt with both personally as well as publically. To do otherwise, would invite the horrible consequences of sin to destroy those around us.
“Love the sinner, hate the sin” makes more and more sense…. So if you see your brother, your sister, your friend sinning… Speak the truth in love and let them know… “Better is open rebuke than hidden love.” Show me the love, brothers and sisters… ^_^
*waits patiently for a God-smack*
Thank you, Lord for opening my eyes. Help me to forgive as I forgive those who sin against me… because I was your enemy… and You died for me. I cannot follow Jesus and hold onto my “right” to be angry and show no mercy to my neighbor. I pray Your will be done in my life, Lord. One day at a time. Keep the mothers’ near Your heart today, Father. Show them your unconditional and compassionate love, so they may turn around and teach the little ones about You. In Jesus’ name where hope LIVES! Amen.
======== Into Jesus – DC Talk ========
I see the moon, a million stars are out tonight Gentle reminders of the way you are A sea of glass, a raging storm has come to pass You show your face in an array of ways My feet may venture to the ground But you will never let me down Can't hold it in My soul is screaming CHORUS: Hey you, I'm into Jesus Hey you, I'm into Jesus, oh yeah Hey you, I'm into Jesus Hey you, I know the truth And I believe I know you're there I feel your love though my despair You speak the words that ease away the pain My heart is free, my eyes are clear My soul is healed Now that you have gota hold on me My feet may venture to the ground But you will never let me down Can't hold it in My soul is screaming CHORUS. I still believe, I still believe Hey you, this kid is back And I do declare that the son is shining |
i love that song. and thank you for that lesson. =o)