Truth and Consequences

May 13 2010

2 Samuel 24:10-12 "David was conscience-stricken after he had counted the fighting men, and he said to the LORD, "I have sinned greatly in what I have done. Now, O LORD, I beg you, take away the guilt of your servant. I have done a very foolish thing." Before David got up the next morning, the word of the LORD had come to Gad the prophet, David's seer: "Go and tell David, 'This is what the LORD says: I am giving you three options. Choose one of them for me to carry out against you.' "
1 Thessalonians 2:13,14 "And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen the same things those churches suffered from the Jews,

There is Truth, there is consequences. We see this throughout the Bible and throughout our lives. In the passage above from 2 Samuel, we see the consequences of sin. David did a dumb thing and counted the army. He knew he messed up and he begged for forgiveness. And although the Lord forgave him, there was consequences. God gave David three options for punishment and seventy thousand people died. Consequences of sin are real.

In the passage from Thessalonians, we see the consequences of obedience. They accepted the word of God, and the consequence was that the word went to work within them and they became imitators of Christ. But through that; they also suffered for Christ. Consequences to obedience are real. That may not sound so encouraging but it is. For even though the Thessalonians were suffering, we know from other passages in the Word that suffering brings us closer to Christ. That is a consequence of our suffering.

No matter what, the Truth has consequences. When Truth comes into contact with our rebellion (sin), the greatest Consequence is that it requires the death of Christ to purchase our forgiveness and redemption. But many times, we see consequences affect our everyday life as well. We will always be forgiven if we ask, but we may not get off without paying some consequence. The good news is that when Truth comes into contact with a repentant heart, the consequence of eternal separation from God is removed. For the Truth (the Word of God) is always at work within those who believe.

Father God, help me to always be aware of the consequences of my thoughts and actions. Help me to count the cost of my sin, and also to count the cost of obedience. May I always remember that the ultimate consequence of my obedience is eternal life spent with you. When I face consequences of repented sin, or uncomfortable obedience, may you give me strength and grace and mercy to stand up under those consequences. I love you Jesus,
Amen