The Consequences of Sin | Deuteronomy 3:25-27
Welcome to Real Life. I don’t like to recognize it. I prefer to ignore the truth: sin damages whatever it touches.
Moses spoke with God face to face. He stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and led Israel 40 years through a desert wilderness. He penned the first four books of the Bible.
Now, Moses stands at the border of the Promised Land, longing to go in. He pleads with God,
Moses spoke with God face to face. He stood up to Pharaoh, called plagues down on Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and led Israel 40 years through a desert wilderness. He penned the first four books of the Bible.
Now, Moses stands at the border of the Promised Land, longing to go in. He pleads with God,
Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.
But, it aint gonna happen.
"That is enough," the Lord said. "Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan."
Deuteronomy 3:25-27
Why is Moses forbidden from entering the Promised Land? It is the consequence of his sin. At Meribah, he dishonored God in word and deed.[1] This is serious stuff when you represent the Almighty.
Our Lord overflows with love, grace, and mercy. But, his commands are not arbitrary. He created the universe and He knows how it works. Sin is wrong because it is harmful. When I sin, I hurt myself and those around me.
It's cause and effect. The wages of sin is death. Ultimately, sin unchecked and unforgiven will destroy my soul. But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.[2] I've accepted his gift. So, by His grace, I will escape the eternal consequence of my sin.
However, even though I am forgiven, I can't escape sin's temporal consequences:
Our Lord overflows with love, grace, and mercy. But, his commands are not arbitrary. He created the universe and He knows how it works. Sin is wrong because it is harmful. When I sin, I hurt myself and those around me.
It's cause and effect. The wages of sin is death. Ultimately, sin unchecked and unforgiven will destroy my soul. But, the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.[2] I've accepted his gift. So, by His grace, I will escape the eternal consequence of my sin.
However, even though I am forgiven, I can't escape sin's temporal consequences:
- Ugly words can’t be unsaid.
- Perverse images remain in my mind.
- Empty calories result in unwanted pounds.
- Selfishness inhibits my ability to love.
- Pursuing worldly desires leads me further and further from God.
I don’t like to recognize it. I prefer to ignore the truth: sin damages whatever it touches.Yet, even this—sin’s consequence—is evidence of God’s love. Like a painful burn keeps me from the fire, painful consequences are meant to deter me from sin.
God loved Moses. He forgave Moses. But, He didn't remove the consequence of Moses' sin. The great prophet never set foot in the Promised Land. What will sin steal from me?
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.Dear Lord,
Galatians 6:7 NIV
Open my eyes to the damage sin wreaks on my life.
Give me a passion for righteousness.
Every good and perfect gift comes from you!
In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
[1] Numbers 20
[2] Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Hi Peggi,
ReplyDeleteI needed this today. I love it, I hate it. I am a Christian struggling with sin. Your post makes me say "OUCH!!", but in a very good way.
Thanks so much for reading my latest blog and for your encouraging comment!
Thanks, Di, for stopping by and commenting. I'm right there with you - OUCH! Moses' situation hit me hard.
DeleteWhen we ask God to forgive our sins, we have to realize that we will have to live with the consequences. I have seen people wonder why they have to go through something after they sought forgiveness. Your words speak well of having to go through the consequences. Thank you for your thoughtful words.
ReplyDeleteHello, Quiet Spirit (such an awesome name!). I appreciate your encouraging words. Thanks for stopping by. :)
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThank you for going into the consequences of sin. Sometimes we forget that God is not only a loving God, but he is also a just God. We tend to forget that his forgiveness does not wipe out the consequences that we have brought upon ourselves and upon others. Yet, if we read the Bible we would see all over the consequences of sin that was committed not only in the life of Moses, but in others lives, like Peter, Paul, David, Solomon, and I can go on and on.
I personally believe that God forgives us, but he expects us to walk in the light of his guidance after our repentance. That is not easy because it means doing things God's way instead of our way.
I truly enjoyed reading your article.
Shalom,
Patricia
Hi dear friend,
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by. I ALWAYS appreciate your words of wisdom! Yes, as you said, he forgives. But, he does expect us to walk in the truth he's revealed to us. Well said, Patricia.
love, peggi