Thus God repaid the wickedness that Abimelek had done to his father by murdering his seventy brothers. Judges 9:56
Everything has a price tag on it, whether physically and mentally. In order to enjoy something, there must be a price to be paid. Sometimes that price is very low, while other times it is extremely high.
Often people will enjoy certain things, believing that they are free and not realizing the price on it until later. Driving a car without adding gas will work for a time, but in the end it will result in being shut down on the side of a road.
Abimelek had murdered his seventy brothers in order to be king. In the end God had him killed to pay for the murders.
Sin always appears to be fun and free, with no price tag on it. People think that they are getting away with it because there is no immediate consequence. Many think that either God does not exist or that He does not care what they do.
Without repentance, sin has a price to pay that is higher than anyone would ever want to pay. The cost of sin is death, whether that sin is one minor sin, such as lust for someone, or it is a major sin of murdering seventy people. In God’s eyes both are the same.
God is patient and does not make a person pay the cost for sin immediately. He desires that the person repents and turns to Him for forgiveness and life. If, however, the person does not repent, in the end there will be judgement against him and eternal death.
Believers must first strive to flee all sin. If one does sin, he must be willing to repent of it immediately and to flee that sin and accept the forgiveness and life Jesus offers.
Do not allow yourself to purposefully choose to sin on a regular basis. Strive to allow God to change your heart and flee all sin. If you should sin, repent immediately and allow Jesus to cleanse you from all unrighteousness and sin.
Although it may appear that you are getting away with some sin, there will be a price of death someday. Do not allow that price to have to be paid by you, Jesus has already paid for it. Live the holy and righteous life Jesus provides for you.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will repent to God for all sins; that you will accept the forgiveness Jesus offers; that God will guide you in fleeing all sinful temptations; and that you will live holy and righteous before God.
In my experience, the idea that “everything has a price tag” is undeniably true, both in the physical and mental realms of life. It’s often easy to enjoy certain things without realizing the hidden costs until later, just like driving a car without refueling; it works for a while, but eventually, you find yourself stranded on the side of the road.
The story of Abimelek serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of our actions. His pursuit of power led him to commit heinous acts, and in the end, he paid a high price for his choices when God held him accountable for the murders.
Sin, in many ways, follows a similar pattern. It can seem enticing and consequence-free in the short term, leading people to believe they can get away with it. Some may even question the existence of God or His concern for their actions. However, the ultimate cost of those choices often becomes apparent over time, affecting not only individuals but also those around them.
It’s a sobering reminder to consider the true price of our decisions and actions, whether in our personal lives or on a broader scale, and to be mindful of the consequences that may come our way, sooner or later.
Very well said Sam, on the idea that sin looks good in the moment, but does not show the consequences of death later. May we always keep a vision of what God wants us to see and do.
Thank you for reading and the good word. Have a blessed day in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.