The Consequences of Sin: A Testimony to God's Existence

-

Verses:Judges 9:5-6, 16-20, 23-24, 53-54 

"He went to his father’s home in Ophrah and on one stone murdered his seventy brothers, the sons of Jerub-Baal... Now if you have acted honorably and in good faith when you made Abimelek king, and if you have been fair to Jerub-Baal and his family, and if you have treated him as he deserves... God stirred up animosity between Abimelek and the citizens of Shechem so that they acted treacherously against Abimelek... When Abimelek heard that all the citizens of the tower of Shechem had assembled, he and all his men went up to the tower and attacked it. But a certain woman dropped an upper millstone on Abimelek’s head and cracked his skull... So his armor-bearer drew his sword and ran him through, and he died."

As we reflect on this passage, we see a powerful example of the consequences of sin. Abimelek's desire for power and position led him to commit a heinous crime, murdering his seventy brothers. Despite his initial success and attainment of the position he desired, Abimelek's sin ultimately led to his downfall and death.

It's striking to note that Abimelek's kingship did not bring him the security or protection he thought it would. In fact, it was during his reign that he faced opposition and ultimately met his demise. This serves as a powerful reminder that our earthly accomplishments and attainments are ultimately meaningless if we do not have a right relationship with God.

Moreover, the story of Abimelek provides a powerful testimony to the existence of God. The fact that Abimelek's sin was punished, and that justice was served, demonstrates that there is a higher power at work in the world. It shows that God is a God of justice, who will not let sin go unpunished. This is a fundamental principle of the Bible, and it is reinforced time and time again throughout Scripture.

The fact that Abimelek's punishment was not just a natural consequence of his actions, but was actually orchestrated by God, demonstrates that God is actively involved in the world, and that He is committed to upholding justice and righteousness.

Prayer:

Dear God, help us to recognize the consequences of sin and to seek Your guidance and wisdom in all that we do. May we remember that You are a God of justice, who will not let sin go unpunished. May we seek to serve You and Your people, rather than seeking power and recognition for ourselves. Amen.

Popular posts from this blog

A Glimpse of God's Goodness

-
Verse: Genesis 48:11 (NIV) 11 Israel said to Joseph, "I never expected to see your face again, and yet God has allowed me to see your children too." As Jacob gazed upon the faces of his loved ones, he felt as though he was beholding the very face of God. In this moment, he realized that experiencing God's goodness was akin to seeing God Himself. The joy, the peace, and the love that radiated from their presence was a tangible manifestation of God's divine goodness, a reflection of His loving character. Jacob's heart overflowed with emotion as he grasped the magnitude of God's love. He felt the warmth of God's embrace, the comfort of His presence, and the assurance of His guidance. In this moment, all his doubts, fears, and worries seemed to fade away, replaced by a deep sense of trust and surrender. "Oh, the goodness of God!" he exclaimed, his heart overflowing with praise. "To see Your face in the faces of my loved ones is to behold Your ve...
Read more

A Divine Encounter: From Fear to New Identity❤️

-
Verses:Genesis 32:22-32 "That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he sent over all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, 'Let me go, for it is daybreak.' But Jacob replied, 'I will not let you go unless you bless me.' The man asked him, 'What is your name?' 'Jacob,' he answered. Then the man said, 'Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome.'" In this remarkable story, God comes down to meet Jacob in his moment of fear and uncertainty. Jacob is worried about his upcoming encounter with Esau, but God has a different plan. Inste...
Read more

When Superstition Overcame Faith

-
Verse:2 Kings 3:27 "Then he took his oldest son who was to reign in his place and offered him for a burnt offering on the wall. And there came great wrath against Israel, and they departed from him and returned to their own land." The alliance of Israel, Judah, and Edom had marched against Moab, confident in their impending victory. God was with them, ensuring their success. Yet, in a desperate act, the king of Moab did the unthinkable—he sacrificed his own son on the city wall. Instead of pressing forward in faith, Israel retreated in fear. Why? Because superstition, deeply rooted in their hearts, deceived them.   Though they were God’s people, Israel had never fully abandoned the pagan influences around them. Even their kings—Jehoram of Israel, Jehoshaphat of Judah, and the king of Edom—were not wholly devoted to the Lord. When they saw the horrific sacrifice, they were overcome not by divine judgment but by their own lingering belief in the power of such rituals. They assu...
Read more