I remember times when I was a young boy making bad choices. I knew what I was doing was wrong, but I did it anyway. In the back of my mind, I knew what my dad would do to me, but I didn’t care. I wanted to do what I wanted, and nothing was going to stop me. As it so often happens, I was caught every time. I stood in absolute fear of what punishment I would receive. In my mind, I didn’t want any punishments and tried to talk my way out of them. The punishments did come, and I deserved them all. I still felt like they were too harsh, and my dad wasn’t being fair. In reality, he was fair. I learned that there were consequences to my actions.
Being a believer doesn’t mean that we are free from earthly consequences for our actions. We are not being punished by God but rather dealing with the aftermath of our choices. I have met with those who feel God is punishing their families because they had done wrong. God wasn’t punishing them, but they were dealing with earthly judgment.
Many people fear what God is going to do to them in eternal judgment because of their past deeds. This is an understandable emotion, because we are sinful by nature and know we deserve the consequences of our sins. But we have a wonderful hope that can sustain us. Jesus came to this earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross, and was raised from the dead as the sacrifice for our sins. When we believe in Him, our sins are wiped clean, and we will be with Jesus in heaven. What a beautiful promise for us.
APPLICATION: Think about a time when you were worried or were in fear because of something that you did. How can you see God at work in that situation? As you go through your day, remember that God is faithful and that you can trust Him as you face future situations.
PRAYER: God, You are a wonderful and merciful God. Thank You for sending Jesus to earth for us. I am grateful that You are just and fair in judgment. Help me remember all that You have done in my life. Amen.
"… Our Father in heaven…" Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
• What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
"… may your name be kept holy." Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
• What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
"May your Kingdom come soon." Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
• Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
"Give us today the food we need," Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
• Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I'm around today?
"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us" Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
• Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
"And don't let us yield to temptation…" Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
• Is there anywhere I'm vulnerable to temptation?