The harmful effect of Sin

Tonight was a real eye-opener concerning the destruction that sin has. It destroys people's lives and relationships with others, as I've come to know firsthand. It leaves one feeling empty and cursed and shameful, especially when it affects those we love. I've had to learn this the hard way in life, but learning I am and moving forward I will in God, far from sin. The very reason Christ came down to us was to destroy both sin and death forever, to wash us through His blood, His sacrifice so we could be presentable to God and have restored fellowship with Him. All we need to do is put our faith and trust in Him and call out to Him to save us. And He will...He truly will.

What's interesting is how the Iraelites paid the penalty for their sins in Exodus through their sin offerings on the altar. Not only did they have to bring a lamb without spot or blemish to the altar to cover their sin, they themselves had to kill it! They literally had to slit it's throat in order that their sin would be covered and that God would be satisfied by the sacrifice. I don't know about you, but because I have this affection for animals, to slit the throat of a young lamb...man...I would probably be in tears and so broken before I even touched him! But at the same time, I would understand the the severity of sin better and that alone would encourage me to stay away from it! Then I could stand my ground better and look sin in the face and be like 'Nah ah...no way...I'm not even going down that road...been there, done that and it tore my heart apart last time! So forget it...' And the Lord is helping me to realize the severity and negative effects that sin can have upon my life. It was sin that basically killed our Messiah. He took that sin for us. And I got to thinking...can you imagine if you, or me, had to crucify our Lord ourselves as the Israelites did that helpless little, lamb? Would you be able to crucify and kill a man who loved you dearly and was perfect and gentle and kind to you? And not only a man, but God in the flesh! I don't know if I would have the strength. But He was crucified, and He did it all for us, and all I can say in my own limited way is 'thank you Lord for taking upon yourself the wrath of God that was upon me. Thank you!'

Sin will tear your world apart...give it to Him...let Him take it away and satisfy the wrath of God that was on you...and be free of it forever. =) Amen.