Consequences
Numbers 32:23 – “But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.”
As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, the Holy Spirit challenged me to think. Think? Yes, but specifically about consequences.
Consequences? Yes, the Law of Sowing and Reaping is always in force in Everything. Always! In Numbers 32:23, Moses said to the two and one-half tribes before Israel moved into their Promised Land regarding explicit obedience: “Be assured! (Emphatic). “Be sure! Your sin will find you out!”
Consequences! In life, sin has residue, including forgiven sin. God forgives, but the consequences may still bring pain and likely will. Excess in anything has lasting effects, mentally, emotionally, materially, physically, and spiritually. Forgiveness opens the door for entrance into the promised land. But remember, the promised land is occupied. Explicit obedience is the only pathway to liberty.
The process:
- Drive out the inhabitants.
(That would be the influences of the demonic, the acts of sin, and the habits of excess). You cannot hold on to the habits and practices of the world and live in the Freedom of peace at the same time.
- Destroy the idols and houses or systems of darkness.
Get rid of sin. Walk away from the past.
- Possess and occupy the newness of life.
Like springs, you cannot produce sweet and bitter water simultaneously. You cannot exhibit the fruits of darkness and have the fruits of righteousness at the same time.
- Embrace your inheritance.
God owns Everything, and through Grace and Faith, He has given us His Promise of Newness of Life!
John 8:12 reveals that Jesus is the Light of Life! He has declared Freedom for those who believe and receive.
John 8:31-32 – “If you ABIDE in My Word, THEN you are truly My disciples. You will KNOW (γινώσκω – ginosko = to know absolutely, absolute oneness. Know through personal experience) the TRUTH, and the Truth (that you know and become intimate with) will SET you FREE!”
John 10:37 reminds us that the proof is in the pudding. If we do not walk the walk, talking the talk will be hollow.
But to encourage everyone, even though consequences have a lingering power, God’s Love will carry us through IF. If? If we continue in Him in explicit obedience. Shun the very appearance of evil. (1 Thessalonians 5:2).
Walk away from sin by the power of the Holy Spirit. Do not dabble in darkness. Do not be deceived. Play with fire, and you will get burned. It takes God’s power to be free and requires our total commitment and the exercise of willpower. It is Grace, but that requires us to give God ALL. In God, it is all or nothing. You cannot be a little pregnant, nor can you be a little committed. All in or not in. Which do we choose? He awaits our choice and stands ready to help those who go ALL IN.
LORD, help us make the right choices so we enjoy the blessings, not the consequences!
