The Consequence of Disobedience
"Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000." — Numbers 25:8-9
I’ve been listening to a podcast where we’ve been covering the book of Numbers. Let me tell you — there’s so much more to the book of Numbers than just the chronology of Israel’s journey. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Similarly, in Joshua, it says, “Not one word of all the promises that the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass.”
It’s encouraging to hear the promises of God and to know that He keeps His word. However, we often forget that receiving those promises comes with responsibilities on our part. When God brought Israel out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai, He gave them specific instructions. He said, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery. Do not have other gods besides me.” (Exodus 20:3)
Unfortunately, in Numbers 25, we see that Israel completely rebelled against God — and they faced the consequences of their disobedience. The plague came only because of the consequence of their behavior. 24,000 Israelites died from the plague.
I remember a time when I faced the consequences of disobedience as a child. When I was in elementary school, my parents taught us that stealing was wrong and that we would be disciplined if we ever stole anything. One day, my parents stopped by a local store to pick up some items for cooking. I went into the store with my dad, and while we were there, I ran into a friend from school. We walked around the store together, and I saw her slip some candy into her pocket. I can't remember if she told me to do it or if I decided on my own — but either way, I took some candy and put it in my pocket too.
After we left the store, I headed back to the car. My mom immediately noticed something off and asked, “What’s in your pocket?” I said, “Nothing.” She reached into my pocket, pulled out the candy, and said, “Go back into the store and tell your dad that you stole this candy.”
That was the longest walk I had ever taken! I can still see the look on my dad’s face when I told him what I had done. He was so disappointed. When we got home, I not only got a disciplined with a belt on my bottom, but I also had extra chores — chores that made sure I wouldn’t forget the consequences of my actions. That discipline worked; I don’t ever remember stealing again.
My parents were trying to lead me in the right direction for my life. Scripture says, “No good thing does the Lord God withhold from those who walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11) God's commands are designed to lead us to our best life. When we disobey, we bring judgment on ourselves.
Key Takeaways
We bring judgment on ourselves when we disobey God’s commands.
Boundaries are set in place to help us succeed.
Staying in alignment with God brings the blessings of God.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19; Isaiah 55:11
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