The consequence of sin is something we don’t like to think about. We want to ignore the thought as we push the envelope in the wrong direction. Throwing caution to the wind may work when playing a board game, but life is different.
I remember ministering in a jail in Central America where some inmates had life sentences. Everyone in that prison was experiencing the consequences of their sin. For some, the Lord used this environment to get their attention and lead them to faith. These men found true freedom despite their circumstances.
I have also known more than one person who, when they were in the muck and mire, the Lord in His mercy reached them with His Good News. The prodigal son in the Gospel of Luke was distant from God until he experienced the consequences of His sin. God, in His mercy, is longsuffering. He wants each person to repent of their sins and return to Him for healing. This is God’s heart for every sinner.
Jericho Suffered the Consequences of Their Sin
As the spies entered Jericho, they received incredible insight as they talked to Rahab, the prostitute. She told them the people of Jericho knew all the miracles the Lord did as they left Egypt, although that had been forty years earlier. She also knew the Lord had given Israel this land.
Although the people feared the Israelites, they did not seem to be fearful of God and continued down the wrong path. God’s patience ran out as He took down the walls of Jericho. Joshua 6:21 The Israelites completely destroyed everything in it with their swords—men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. [1]
It was never the Lord’s desire for the city of Jericho to be destroyed; it was His will that they would repent and turn to Him. Although it was God’s hand that enabled Israel to conquer the city, the Lord does not rejoice at the death of anyone.
The Lord Wants Us to Repent of Our Sins
Repentance is not just feeling guilty or regretful. We can be sorry for the consequences of our sins but not have a change in our hearts. When I genuinely repent, I desire to please the Lord and turn away from sin. We must ask the Lord for His help to overcome because of our sinful nature.
Also, genuine repentance is about changing our minds and actions. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [2]
To learn about the consequence of sin, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-victory
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Jos 6:21). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ro 12:2). Tyndale House Publishers.