Premeditated Disobedience
It is one thing to accidently or inadvertently sin, it is totally another thing to plan it out. One thing I hardly ever do is completely count the cost of my disobedience. There is usually a cost to my disobedience with the Lord and it’s not cheap. I can recount many sins that I’ve been forgiven of, but I’ve still paid the consequences of my sin.
King Ahaz did some despicable things as King of Israel. He didn’t sin accidently. He clearly thought ahead on his actions. Check this out…
10 King Ahaz then went to Damascus to meet with King Tiglath-pileser of Assyria. While he was there, he took special note of the altar. Then he sent a model of the altar to Uriah the priest, along with its design in full detail. 11 Uriah followed the king’s instructions and built an altar just like it, and it was ready before the king returned from Damascus. 12 When the king returned, he inspected the altar and made offerings on it. 13 He presented a burnt offering and a grain offering, he poured out a liquid offering, and he sprinkled the blood of peace offerings on the altar. (2 Kings 16:10-13 NLT)
This guy Ahaz did many things that displeased the Lord. He was not only disobedient; he was deliberate in his disobedience. I can’t be too hard anyone else for their behavior. I need to be careful and deliberate with my own behavior.
I need a plan to deal with temptations that come on quickly.
I also need a plan to resist the sin that looks appealing and attractive.
The consequences of sin still follow forgiveness. I’m so grateful that the Lord introduced grace through Jesus. I am forgiven. My past is erased. I am doing my best to work out my salvation NOT earn it. The Lord is so full of patience with me. He forgives and forgets my sin. He removes it from me as far as the east is from the west. He goes a step further. He walks with me through the consequences of my sin. That is incredible love and grace. I want to walk in obedience motivated by His love for me rather than fear of His judgment.
Pressing On!
Dwayne