June 4, 2006 - II Chronicles 21-22 and John 14
Our sins have lasting consequences. The reason for the consequences is that we need to understand the seriousness of sin. If God took away the consequences of a sin, when He forgave a sin, then we would be tempted to sin again, and just ask for forgiveness, again. Do you see how destructive that kind of life would be? Therefore, God wants us to have every deterrent to sin. As you read this passage, think about your life, and the consequences of sin in your life. God can give you grace and strength to overcome the consequences, but you must turn to Him for help.
The consequence of Jehoshaphat's sin of making marriage alliances with Israel was that his son, Jehoram, was married to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. Her pagan influence led Judah away from God for years. She led her husband, Jehoram, to promote pagan worship and undo the reforms of his father. She led her son, Ahaziah, to do the same thing, and then, we actually reigned over Judah herself for 6 years. What a devastatingly evil influence on God's people. Do you think Jehoshaphat would have made that alliance if he would have considered the consequences? I don't think so. That is why we must consider the consequences of our sins and cease from them. Athaliah led Judah into 15 years of paganism that effected thousands of people and their families in a negative way. It would take a lot of grace and strength from God to overcome this evil influence.
John 14, on the other hand, admonishes us to recognize Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (v.6) Jesus teaches us that now we have the Holy Spirit to guide us to Truth and to empower us to live the Life. Therefore, all we have to do is pray fervently for His will and do His will, as He reveals it to us by His Spirit. Then, we can avoid sin and its consequences. We can know His peace, and we can abide in the Lord. Do you hear what Jesus is saying here? Is that how you order your life, or is Jesus just on the edge of your life? Keep Jesus at the center. He is life. He will lead you into His Way, and He will lead you all the way to heaven.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 23-24 and John 15.
The consequence of Jehoshaphat's sin of making marriage alliances with Israel was that his son, Jehoram, was married to Ahab's daughter, Athaliah. Her pagan influence led Judah away from God for years. She led her husband, Jehoram, to promote pagan worship and undo the reforms of his father. She led her son, Ahaziah, to do the same thing, and then, we actually reigned over Judah herself for 6 years. What a devastatingly evil influence on God's people. Do you think Jehoshaphat would have made that alliance if he would have considered the consequences? I don't think so. That is why we must consider the consequences of our sins and cease from them. Athaliah led Judah into 15 years of paganism that effected thousands of people and their families in a negative way. It would take a lot of grace and strength from God to overcome this evil influence.
John 14, on the other hand, admonishes us to recognize Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. (v.6) Jesus teaches us that now we have the Holy Spirit to guide us to Truth and to empower us to live the Life. Therefore, all we have to do is pray fervently for His will and do His will, as He reveals it to us by His Spirit. Then, we can avoid sin and its consequences. We can know His peace, and we can abide in the Lord. Do you hear what Jesus is saying here? Is that how you order your life, or is Jesus just on the edge of your life? Keep Jesus at the center. He is life. He will lead you into His Way, and He will lead you all the way to heaven.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Chronicles 23-24 and John 15.