The Consequences Of Disobedience
"But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength. You will plant seed in vain because your enemies will eat it.
I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. . . . I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins seven times over." Leviticus 26:14-24.
I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; those who hate you will rule over you, and you will flee even when no one is pursuing you. . . . I myself will be hostile toward you and will afflict you for your sins seven times over." Leviticus 26:14-24.
As humans, we desire to be told mostly positive things. It is easier to be the bearer of good news than difficult news. Difficult news tends to be frowned upon. But negative news helps to create a healthy balance in life. Difficult truths give us much needed reality checks.
We desire to hear continually about the blessings, forgiveness, and mercies of our God. It is all well and good to be reminded of the loving nature of our God. However, continually dwelling on that without balancing it with the consequences of violating God's holy expectations of His children is rather deceptive and destructive. There are consequences to both obedience and disobedience.
Just as obedience is the key to our blessings, disobedience can also be the key to our sufferings. Understanding this spiritual principle leads to tremendous peace and helps us avoid untold hardships. That is God's desire for us: avoid disobedience and live in peace.
So, God made it clear that if the Israelites obeyed Him, they will enjoy peace in the land, put their enemies to flight, and behold an abundance of prosperity. However, if they rejected God's decrees, then He said, "I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; . . . Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil [land] will not yield its crops . . ."
God's desire is to set His face upon us and bless us; not to set His face against us and afflict us.
But we have everything to do with that. The choice is ours.
Let's resolve to walk faithfully and obediently with God so that we can be covered with His favor.
Disobedience has severe consequences which are definitely not worth it.
Let's be children of obedience; not children of disobedience.
We desire to hear continually about the blessings, forgiveness, and mercies of our God. It is all well and good to be reminded of the loving nature of our God. However, continually dwelling on that without balancing it with the consequences of violating God's holy expectations of His children is rather deceptive and destructive. There are consequences to both obedience and disobedience.
Just as obedience is the key to our blessings, disobedience can also be the key to our sufferings. Understanding this spiritual principle leads to tremendous peace and helps us avoid untold hardships. That is God's desire for us: avoid disobedience and live in peace.
So, God made it clear that if the Israelites obeyed Him, they will enjoy peace in the land, put their enemies to flight, and behold an abundance of prosperity. However, if they rejected God's decrees, then He said, "I will set my face against you so that you will be defeated by your enemies; . . . Your strength will be spent in vain, because your soil [land] will not yield its crops . . ."
God's desire is to set His face upon us and bless us; not to set His face against us and afflict us.
But we have everything to do with that. The choice is ours.
Let's resolve to walk faithfully and obediently with God so that we can be covered with His favor.
Disobedience has severe consequences which are definitely not worth it.
Let's be children of obedience; not children of disobedience.
Prayer: Father, I ask that you give me the grace to walk in reverential fear of you, my Holy God. Help me to be mindful of your holiness at all times so that disobedience will continually dwindle from my life. Amen.