WEDNESDAY 14 September, 2016
Lasting Consequences of our Disobedience
So the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; the children of Israel had sworn protection to them, but Saul had sought to kill them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah. - 2 Samuel 21:2
Imagine, even though Saul was dead, his disobedience from the past had caused the nation of Israel to suffer in their future––three long years of famine. They were still paying a high price for his rebellious and stubborn leadership as their king. He had fully ignored the treaty with the Gibeonites that was established by Joshua and the rulers of Israel:
Then all the rulers said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LordGod of Israel; now therefore, we may not touch them. This we will do to them: We will let them live, lest wrath be upon us because of the oath which we swore to them” (Joshua 9:19-20).
David understood the seriousness of the famine. He knew that because the treaty was not honored, the Lord’s anger was aroused. As the King of Israel, through wisdom, he would need to find a peaceful solution to appease God’s anger against the land of Israel.
I believe with all my heart, that if only we would stop to think how our sin not only affects us but others, we might reconsider our actions. The next generation can suffer the lasting consequences of our disobedience. Think about our children and our grandchildren?
People either obey or disobey God in their lives. Have you evaluated your life? Remember David repented of his sins and despite his failure he will always be known as: a man after God’s own heart. When you leave behind your legacy, what do you really want to be known for?
[David] the man exalted by the Most High, the man anointed by… God…
~2 Samuel 23:1~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit Somebodylovesyouradio.org!