Most People Wonder Why Things Happen As They Do
Jeremiah 30:15, "...because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee."
It is sad to read the words of verse 15, "...because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee." God is explaining to the children of Israel and Judah why they found themselves overthrown and living in captivity. Now we know that everything that happens in our lives doesn't happen because of sinful behavior, but we know some things happen because of the presence of continuing sin in our lives. God is loving, He is merciful, He is gracious, but He is also holy, and has a hatred and disdain for sin. When His children refuse to live in obedience, failing to heed the admonitions God delivers from His Word, then we can expect His Hand of chastening to rest upon us.
We need to have the same hatred and disdain for sin as we see in our Heavenly Father. Too often we become complacent with the lives we are living, we allow sin to creep in, and suddenly we find ourselves day after day living in a manner that doesn't bring honor and glory to the Lord. Once God begins to deal with our sin, He will do so until we decide to repent and turn back to Him.
Is there anything in your life today that is sinful and contrary to the will of God? Have you allowed some sin to creep into your life and remain? Don't wait until God has to deal with you in an adverse way to get right with the Lord. You may begin to wonder why certain things are happening and completely miss the fact that it is God who is at work in your life. Most often, if something negative has happened in our lives we want to attribute it to the work of the devil, but it might be the work of God. Don't forget, "...because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee."
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Enjoy this day walking in obedience to the Savior.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Is there anything in your life that is sinful and contrary to the will of God?
2. How did God deal with Israel and Judah in relation to their sin? How might this apply to you?
3. How must we deal with sin in our lives? When should we do so?