More specifically, SIN does not pay. Do not be deceived by appearances. God is watching and He will address it. After all, He says, “vengeance is Mine. I will repay” Romans 12:19.
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” Galatians 6:7.
Consider the many punishments in a 7-page Bible reading: King Jehoram was evil, and led God’s people into idol worship. Elijah announced he would be “struck with MANY diseases, including an illness of the intestines, until his intestines come out day after day….” 2 Chronicles 21:15. Finally, “he died TO NO ONE’S REGRET” v.20. (Imagine having THAT on your tombstone!)
King Ahab and Jezebel were worse than Jehoram. “The whole house of Ahab will perish… The dogs will EAT Jezebel in the plot of land at Jezreel. No one will bury her” 2 Kings 9:8,10. The good king Jehu had Jezebel thrown down from a window, her blood spattered on the walls, and Jehu rode over her in his chariot. Later, out of respect for the queen, he sent men to bury her, but wild dogs had eaten her and only her skull, feet, and palms could be found, vv.33-35. Ahab and Jezebel also had 70 evil sons. But the people cut off their heads, put 70 heads in 70 baskets and sent them to King Jehu. Finally, Jehu located all the priests of Baal, had them slaughtered in the temple of Baal, then burned the temple down over them, and made the area a latrine.
We are called to love people, to offer a message of grace, hope, and redemption. But when you feel discouraged by war, or human trafficking, or child abuse, or worse, it helps to remember that we serve a God who SEES. He sees and He can handle it. He will punish the wrongdoer—and redeem the victims. His amazing grace can transform your deepest hurt into your greatest victory.
God, thank you for your love, justice, and grace. Show us how to love people, while also demanding righteousness and integrity from ourselves and from others.
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Household Words: 