but those who come after you.
And afterward when David heard it, he said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before the LORD for ever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner: let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father’s house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread. So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner, because he had slain their brother Asahel at Gibeon in the battle. 2 Samuel 3:28-30 KJV
Joab’s action bore consequences which would be felt by his children and grandchildren.
This truth is seen elsewhere in scripture as well. (1 Samuel 3:11-14, Exodus 20:4-5)
The warning is clear, if we choose to sin, we are choosing pain and suffering for ourselves and our family.
Sin doesn’t sting only the person choosing it.
Thankfully, Jesus Christ broke the cycle of sin and the suffering which goes with it.
Through Christ we are cleansed!
But this doesn’t mean we can choose sin and then not feel the consequences, rather it means learning to stop choosing sin.
Romans 6:15 NKJV — What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
Ephesians 5:10-11 NKJV — finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Romans 6:23 NKJV — For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus, through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit wants to cleanse us completely.
He guides us with clear instruction, that we might understand what is righteous, honorable, and true. (Phil. 4:8, Gal. 5:22-23, Exodus 20:1-17)
He gives us warning of the ways of the enemy, that we might recognize evil and know how to respond.(1 Pet. 5:8-9, Eph. 6:11-13, Jas. 4:7)
He grants us the responsibility and privilege of bearing His name and His message, that others might know and choose life eternal.(1 Cor. 1:4, Gal. 2:20, Mat. 28:19)
How we live today really does matter.
For it is in today we make the choices which ripple into tomorrow.
Ephesians 5:15-17 NKJV — See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your salvation! Thank You for saving us from sin and death. Lord, please help each one of us to be wise, not foolish, not short-sighted. Please teach us how to live for You in today, redeeming the time. Lord, please remind us to seek Your face and to humble ourselves before You, for it is not on our own strength or in our own understanding where we should be walking, but in You for all things. Lord, please break through any lies the enemy has deceived us with. Please shine Your truth into our hearts and minds that we might see clearly and walk in obedience to You. Lord, thank You for Your patience and love, for Your mercy and grace. Thank You for breaking the cycle of sin and bringing us out of the ways of darkness. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 