Scripture:
Listen! The LORD’s arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isaiah 59:1-2
Numbers 32:23: “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out.”
Reflection:
I spent some time last week with an old friend. In our conversation, we briefly discussed the principle of cause and effect; what the New Testament would call sowing and reaping. Both the New Testament and certainly the Old Testament are full of examples of reaping what you sow, both in the positive and negative sense. It is a universal principle in this world in which we live.
Jacob’s sin and family dysfunction led to sons that murdered an entire village (Gen.34:25) and then sold their brother Joseph into slavery. King David’s sin with Bathsheba eventually produced rebellion and murder in his own home and pitted his son Absalom against his father bringing Israel into civil war. Jacob and David both concealed their sin. Had they only repented of their ways early on, their sin would not have grown so large to effect so many.
Regardless of how successful a person might consider themselves in concealing what they have sown, scripture reminds us that there will be a day of reckoning. 1 Cor. 3:13 says “each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.”
A quick review into cause and effect, sowing and reaping admonishes us that, regardless of one’s status, our willful sin will damage relationships. It does not matter whether the perpetrator is a king or commoner. Our sin will find us out. Nu. 32:23
I can think of only two variables that change this universal principle; One is the speed with which the effect takes place, and two, sincere and honest confession that produces a forgiveness that is graciously given from our Lord Jesus.
Sin left unconfessed will manifest death, albeit maybe slowly. It will damage our relationships, with God and others. Isaiah declares, “It’s your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore. Isa.52:9 The effect may not be perceived, but God’s Word declares it does occur.
The good news is that with honest repentance, God is merciful and forgiveness will be extended, even if the cause and effect process has already started. If we respond quickly, the effects of our sin may just be covered over by His grace and mercy. If not, then it may spread to others in our lives. They then, have the choice of early forgiveness, or if not, letting it effect their hearts and risking the potential of passing it on. The best choice is always… “Repent early and often” and let the grace of God wash over our lives and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9
May we be people that confess our sins quickly, so that it does not spread! No cover ups – Amen!
P. David
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