The Blessings and the Cursings
Joshua used the defeat of Ai as a teachable moment for the Israelites. Since they failed in their first attempt to take the city, and many of their men died because of one man failing to keep God's commands, he wanted to prevent that from happening again. Therefore, Joshua read all of the law of God to the people with the blessings and the cursings. (Joshua 8:34) This should be a powerful reminder to us, as well.
Every command of God comes with a blessing or a curse, whether it is stated or implied. Any time we keep God's commands, He delights to bless us, but when we sin by forsaking His commands, we receive a curse. I know that sounds harsh to say "curse," but it is true. There are consequences that result from sin, and those consequences do not just affect the one who sins, but those around them. The effects of the curse continue, until there is repentance and confession of sin, so God can forgive.
Often, we think we "get away with" sin, like a child that secretly steals a cookie when no one is watching. However, God is always watching and He loves us. He knows that sin causes death, so His punishment or curse is designed to lead us to life, instead of death. Especially, if you have not been reading through the Bible with us, go back and read Deuteronomy 27 and 28, which lists the blessings and the cursings. I believe it will get the attention of anyone who takes God seriously.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 9-11.
Every command of God comes with a blessing or a curse, whether it is stated or implied. Any time we keep God's commands, He delights to bless us, but when we sin by forsaking His commands, we receive a curse. I know that sounds harsh to say "curse," but it is true. There are consequences that result from sin, and those consequences do not just affect the one who sins, but those around them. The effects of the curse continue, until there is repentance and confession of sin, so God can forgive.
Often, we think we "get away with" sin, like a child that secretly steals a cookie when no one is watching. However, God is always watching and He loves us. He knows that sin causes death, so His punishment or curse is designed to lead us to life, instead of death. Especially, if you have not been reading through the Bible with us, go back and read Deuteronomy 27 and 28, which lists the blessings and the cursings. I believe it will get the attention of anyone who takes God seriously.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Joshua 9-11.