The Consequences of Sin

By the time of Absalom’s rebellion, the Bible says (2 Samuel 15:7) that David had been king over all Israel for quite some years. But David, rather than having a direct confrontation with his son Absalom, began to flee from Jerusalem with a great company of people with him. Shimei one of the relatives of Saul came to curse David and threw rocks at him. When Abishai one of David's generals wanted to take Shimei’s head off, David said, "No, may be God laid upon his heart to curse me, let him go." There was a reason for that.

When David sinned against the Lord, and God sent word through Nathan the prophet and told him of four consequences. He told David that, because of his sin the sword will not depart from his house; his own children will rise up in rebellion against him; his wives will be humiliated in the sight of all of the people; and the son of Bathsheba would also die ( 2 Samuel 12:10-14). That is why David was very resigned when he heard of Absalom’s rebellion. David accepted all the things that were happening as really God's judgment against him for his sins. So rather than trying to fight God's judgment upon his life, we see David submitting himself totally to God. He makes no endeavour to defend himself against this judgment of God, but he accepts it. We see David leaving the city of Jerusalem, going through the valley of the Kidron, and up over the mount of Olives, covering his head with a handkerchief, and weeping as he went! I am sure he sincerely repented for all his sins!

While God forgives even the vilest of sins and restores the joy of salvation to the sinner, one cannot escape its consequences. Sometimes they hurt us and sometimes they hurt the people close to us. Yes, God is love, full of mercy, and long-suffering! This emboldens people to wilfully continue in sin. But remember sin has consequences in this world. The Bible teaches that all sin is against God and the only way to avoid that pitfall is to live obedient to the revealed Word of God, the Bible.

My friend, do not treat any sin lightly. God has given us one more season of Lent so that we can examine our lives honestly and deal with the sin in our life truthfully for God knows our innermost thoughts and nothing can be hidden from him.

Categories: Weekly DevotionalsAuthor: Hephzibah StephenDate: 3rd March 2020 Share: newsletterDisplay date: 4th March 2020

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