Thursday, 7 May: 2Kings 15:23-38; Proverbs 12:2-3: John 13:12-17
All of the kings of Israel's northern kingdom followed in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. What a lesson we can learn from the oft-repeated phrase that almost invariably follows this man's name..."who made Israel to sin." The name and accusation are inexorably linked for eternity. Sin doesn't only "find you out", it follows you for a very long time. A reputation, once damaged, can be very difficult to repair.
In my own life, I must continually beware of even the 'small' sins that will diminish my effectiveness for my Lord--idle or careless words, unreliable behavior, disrespectful speech or actions. Any of these can become some of the sneaky little foxes that 'destroy the vines' of my testimony.
When I think of past failures, I find myself praying with David in Psalm 119:22, "Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies." I can be encouraged when I look closely at the genealogy of Christ. Rahab (no longer) the harlot, Ruth (no longer) the Moabitess... Their reproach was removed, and by God's amazing grace, they were included in the most highly honored list of all time!
All of the kings of Israel's northern kingdom followed in the sins of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. What a lesson we can learn from the oft-repeated phrase that almost invariably follows this man's name..."who made Israel to sin." The name and accusation are inexorably linked for eternity. Sin doesn't only "find you out", it follows you for a very long time. A reputation, once damaged, can be very difficult to repair.
In my own life, I must continually beware of even the 'small' sins that will diminish my effectiveness for my Lord--idle or careless words, unreliable behavior, disrespectful speech or actions. Any of these can become some of the sneaky little foxes that 'destroy the vines' of my testimony.
When I think of past failures, I find myself praying with David in Psalm 119:22, "Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies." I can be encouraged when I look closely at the genealogy of Christ. Rahab (no longer) the harlot, Ruth (no longer) the Moabitess... Their reproach was removed, and by God's amazing grace, they were included in the most highly honored list of all time!
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