Where were the parental boundaries? But to further demonstrate the gravity of the gross immorality in Shechem, when Hamor, the princes father, approached Jacob about Dinah marrying his son, he doesnt apologize or even mention the issue. The Christians victory is through Christ. Before Jesus left the earth, He told His disciples that they had the ability to recognize the Holy Spirit, because He would be with them and in them (John 14:17). The benefits and results of walking with God far outweigh a life of not walking with Him. Sadly, we live in societies where abortions happen more than live births. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. He was using his prophetic gift. That verse changes our view of idolatry. Like Paul said, the name of God is being blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you (Rom 2:24). With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. He is Christ the Lord!'. forms: { The Bible . King Saul was out of the will of God when he offered a sacrifice before going to war. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. Only God can move you from confusion to clarity. There are many paths that we need to avoid. We respect your privacy and will never share your email address or personal information with others. Do Your Priorities Align With God's Will? The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside. Working for God without walking with Him will not give our works the desired value. Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and He took the same means of escape that is available to usobedience to God's Word (Matthew 4:111; Hebrews 5:8). } It is not easy to live a godly life in the world. 23 But this command I gave them: 'Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. They were offended and very angry because Shechem had disgraced Israel by sexually assaulting Jacobs daughter, a crime that should not be committed. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). In fact, Josephus, a Jewish historian, said that Dinah went into the city, not only to see the ladies, but also to go to a pagan festival.1 It appears that while neglecting God, Jacobs family began to conform to the world and worship the idols of the world. From a human perspective, adding this story makes no sense. If the people aren't willing to turn to God themselves, they shouldn't rely solely on the faith of others to get them out of this mess. THE WALK WITH GOD ALL NATIONS BIBLE INSTITUTION & PROJECTS THE WALK WITH GOD THE SECRET OF WALKING WITH GOD God is looking for not only a clinging bride but also a walking partner. Hello heaven! When working reactively, you're not sure and often, you can't see beyond the task in front of you. Application Question: In understanding the consequences of neglecting God, how should we respond? How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? In response to Hamors and Shechems offer, Jacobs sons said that it would be disgraceful for Dinah to marry someone uncircumcised. In Romans 12:3 Paul exhorts the believers not to think of themselves pridefully but rather to think of themselves soberlythat is, realistically or accurately. God is more concerned with your maturity than your blessings. In this story, a pagan rapes Dinah, and in return, the Israelites deceive and kill all the men in the citycommitting a worse sin. In fact, this demonstrates that all are sinnersJews and Gentiles. When David committed adultery and murder, Scripture says Gods hand was heavy upon him until he repented (Psalm 32:3-5 ESV). Let prophecies be given by divine revelation. Why was he so uninvolved? Only on this one condition will these men consent to live with us and become one people: They demand that every male among us be circumcised just as they are circumcised. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. Let us consider them and be warned, which, no doubt, is the narrators purpose in sharing this story. The people of Israel were no better than the world around them. Inside was $4,000! 1. We will take their daughters for wives, and we will give them our daughters to marry. CP VOICES do not necessarily reflect the views of The Christian Post. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. The result is an abundant life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. Many might question, Why is this story in the Bible? and What can we learn from it? There are many things: For one, stories like this give evidence of the Divine authorship of Scripture. } On the third day after their circumcision, when the pain probably was the worst, two of Jacobs sons murdered all the men in the town. Our God is greater! Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). If we are without discipline, we are not true children of God. This would have led to compromise and the Israelites further adopting the sins of that culture. In mathematics two of the basic kinds of numbers are integers and fractions: 2, 100, and 56 are integers, while , , and 2.5 are fractions. God gave him a second chance. Jacobs sons killed them and looted the city because their sister had been violated. Be honest about your faith. 1. But we can learn a thing or two from the verses that mention him. Because of this danger, Paul said, Flee sexual immorality! They captured as plunder all their wealth, all their little ones, and their wives, including everything in the houses. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. In his vision of the future, the apostle John saw that new heaven and a new earth, our new domain being pictured as the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:1-2). In some areas, even unaccompanied men might be raped (cf. Although they fully know Gods righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but also approve of those who practice them. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Our lives cannot be made perfect without our walk with Christ. He fell in love with the young woman and spoke romantically to her. When we have a relationship with God, He puts His Spirit in us, who then gives us divine wisdom (Colossians 1:9). That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. Gen 19, Judges 19)! Enoch lived among people who lived ungodly lives. . Even polygamy, having multiple marriage partners, is growing in acceptability. The false teaching, hunger for power and money, and manipulation of people will drive many away. Many parents set no appropriate boundaries, which allows the enemy to tempt and influence them negatively. I wonder how many Christians have missed out on entering into their Promised Land this side of heaven all because they failed to fully follow God and take the path that He wanted them to take in this life! Join me for a 5-Day Mountain-Moving Faith Devotional. In fact, they were probably worse. Christian Living. Often these people dont have any Christian values at all. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. Many people ask how one hears God, and this is because they dont understand how it happens. Many people have walked away from the Lord and are not concerned about it. Negatively. May I walk in wisdom and obedience to you. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. 17Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? Oscar Amaechina is the president of Afri-Mission and Evangelism Network, Abuja, Nigeria. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. Profit has eroded their sense of mission and integrity. Talk about rejection! Tagged: consequences of not walking with god Christian Living November 2, 2020 Walking with God: Why It's So Important Asking someone to explain the importance of walking. I praise you and pray for all these things in Jesus' name. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. Hebrews 11:5 says that Enoch was known as a man who pleased God. How should Christians protect their minds and bodies from this very present danger? Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Just give me the young woman as my wife!. If we dont do that, the world will expose them in a negative wayit will be done in a way that promotes evil and lures them into sin, instead of away from it. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.". Scripture Passage: Jeremiah 7:16-28 (NASB), 16As for you,do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them, and do not intercede with me, for I will not hear you. Ecclesiastes 8:10-13 - Then I saw the wicked buried. Look up. They depend absolutely on the leading of God. He is handing people over to a depraved mind as theyve neglected himallowing them to commit sin and reap the terrible consequences of it. Self-love is the default of our flesh, and when someone gets in the way of our comforthurting them is acceptable. They said to them, We cannot give our sister to a man who is not circumcised, for it would be a disgrace to us. Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). Most likely, they further explained the symbolic nature of circumcision. By walking with God, we have access to His precious promises that we see in the Bible. Q. The Habit of Irresponsibility: But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? Share with us in the comments below. In the US, one out of six females are victims of an attempted or completed rape.4 Similarly, one out of four females on college campuses experience sexual assault.5 In addition, the acceptance of homosexuality has grown. You are. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." (John 8:12) Walking in the light isn't just theological jargon. event : evt, Figuring they were old and didnt have time to waste waiting, Sarah suggested that Abraham have a child with her handmaiden Hagar, who gave birth to Ishmael. Near the beginning of the 40 year wilderness experience, they were all getting ready to go into the Promised Land to reap their big reward in God. Abraham had flaws. When the world denies the knowledge of God, as seen in creation or Scripture, people naturally find something to worship, even if its themselves. Only God can move you from confusion to clarity. The Bible Teachers Guide, Jacob: Being Transformed By Amazing Grace, When God Is Neglected, Sexual Immorality Saturates Society, When God Is Neglected, Parents Neglect Their Children, When God Is Neglected, Religion Is Abused, When God Is Neglected, Violence Increases, When God Is Neglected, He Brings Discipline to Help Us Repent. They took their flocks, herds, and donkeys, as well as everything in the city and in the surrounding fields. As a result, the one group that was willing to follow God fully got to go into the Promised Land, while the other group did not! Application Question: How have you seen or experienced violence increasing in the world? God wants His children to live the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). Temptation. Therefore, they promised to give consent if all the males of the city became circumcised. We can walk with God for life if we keep our eyes focused on Him. Shechem said to his father Hamor, Acquire this young girl as my wife. When Jacob heard that Shechem had violated his daughter Dinah, his sons were with the livestock in the field. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? There are so many people who have confessed that God has called them into specific ministries. 27So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). In one sense, this chapter should give us all hope. Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. Please help Betsy complete her mission "Books for Souls." After a long period of time living in the land of Succoth, Jacob finally brought his family to the land of Shechem in Genesis 33. The activities of those who claim that they are working for God but are not walking with Him have brought shame and reproach to the body of Christ. Waiting is an essential part of the Christian life and, as I learned, there are hefty consequences to not developing this spiritual discipline. Jonah 3:1-2. Purify yourselves and change your clothes (v. 2). You do not have because you do not ask; you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, so you can spend it on your passions. Hebrews 12:5-6 and verse 8 says. We must be zealous and brutal to stay pure in a world that is being increasingly sexualized. The sins of Jacobs children did not draw pagans to God; it only further pushed them away. How should true believers seek to remain faithful in times like these? We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. Sadly, many of these consequences can be seen in our societies, churches, and individual lives. I have impulsively run into a marriage without asking God first, purchased high-ticket items without counting the cost, and made life-changing decisions without wise counsel. God does the same with us. It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. Living in right standing with God? They build the tabernacle and temple and become witnesses to the pagan world. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. All rights reserved. One can only obey God because they hear Him speak. For twenty years of hostile service in Haran, God protected and prospered Jacob. He didnt inquire of the Lord first. D. L. Moody, In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. Gods promises are yes and Amen,when you walk with God,He fulfils his promises unto your life, Much blessed by the articles ,its purely the word we need, Am very grateful to God and to the author for it really helped me in my day to day life, I have achieved allot more blessings I pray. A prayerless person becomes preoccupied with the things of the world instead of God. Our Vision is to See People Healed, Equipped and Set Free through a Prophetic Word and Prayer. You desire and you do not have; you murder and envy and you cannot obtain; you quarrel and fight. Colossians 3:5. You can unsubscribe at any time. In 2 Samuel 11, we learn the story of how David spied the beautiful Bathsheba bathing on the roof and just had to have her. An intimate walk with God affords an opportunity to study His character, to see it developed in the free communications He makes, and to listen to . There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. A result is a thing that is produced by something else; it is an outcome. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, took Dinah from Shechems house, and left. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. You can make the bride price and the gift I must bring very expensive, and Ill give whatever you ask of me. When you walk with God, you become so precious to God and He can do anything to make your life a shining star as He did to Joseph. You'll lose time, energy and focus very easily, which makes it harder for you to make tangible progress on particular tasks or projects. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. It is possible because of the fruit of joy that comes from the Holy Spirit. https://s3.amazonaws.com/qbchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/24212608/2016-08-14-Consequences-in-a-Life-Not-Walking-in-the-Fear-of-God-Ecc-810-13-AM.mp3, 6356 Post Road, North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Office 19170, POBox6945 Why is it so prevalent? Human authors would not have added this story. Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. Commitment keeps you going even when you dont feel like praying or reading your Bible. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. Revelation 21 Seems To Be After The Millennium Where It Says There Will Be No Pain Or Tears. The young man did not delay in doing what they asked because he wanted Jacobs daughter Dinah badly. Consequence #1: You're out of God's will. Most likely, Dinah was around fourteen to sixteen years old. Is it not from this, from your passions that battle inside you? Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. In addition, the Hivites, who were pagans, were already experiencing the results of not acknowledging the true God. Verse Concepts. That is integrity. But if you do not agree to our terms by being circumcised, then we will take our sister and depart.. But with God, it is possible. In Genesis 34, though God is not mentioned, we know he is present, but he seems to be present for judgment. Thomas Watson, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. While in Shechem and living in prosperity, his family had started worshiping pagan gods. It is much harder to be faithful to God in ease than in difficulty. When God is neglected in our lives, often, lust will rear its ugly head in some form or another. In doing this David lost his newborn child, lost control of his own children, and lost out on the opportunity to build the Lords Temple. Asa knew, as everyone who grows strong in the Lord knows, that a powerful . A major fall away from God doesnt happen at once. They become the authors and stewards of Gods Word. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God. How do you view yourself? When you taste the goodness of God, you wouldnt want to go back to a life without Him. He will use tragedy in a persons life, family, or nation to draw people to repentance. A person who walks with God manifests the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, which includes love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.' 24 But they did not obey or incline their ear, but walked in their own counsels and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, and went backward and not forward. When you live a life of obedience to God, you make fewer mistakes, and you mostly make the right choices in life. There is not too much we read about Enoch in the Bible. Finally, when Jacob rebukes his sons, he only focuses on what they did to him (v. 30)not God or others. We each desire to walk with God and reap the benefits of our relationship with Him. W. A. Criswell, Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you. When God was neglected in Shechem, religion was used for personal gain. David, the king of Israel, will not only have many wives and concubines, but will also commit adultery (2 Sam 11). Sometimes, in the course of life, your walk with God becomes weakened by the hardships, storms, trials, and difficult circumstances. Let us marry your daughters, and take our daughters as wives for yourselves. I will continue to push forward and be faithful with my time with the Lord.. You are such a gracious God. Many countries coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an island of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. We must train our children to be wise and at the same time innocent. Enoch walked with God and entered . This created terrible hatred and jealously to the point where Hagar and her son Ishmael were banned from their presence and sent off to die. How can we do that? God sent them His servants and prophets DAILY, again and again. It is clear that Jacobs sons had no plan to intermarry with these people. Ex 20:5). This deal was deceptive. Because of the potential to gain great wealth through the partnership, the men of the town agreed and went through with the procedure. All rights reserved worldwide. So Hamor and his son Shechem went to the gate of their city and spoke to the men of their city, These men are at peace with us. Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, and 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. (2) Religion is also used to control and abuse peopleas often seen in cults. Prayer and a holy life are one. Asa fortified the land and built a strong army, (14:6-8) but when the enemy struck, he did not rely on his army, but on God (14:11). As time goes by, they become carnally minded, and this causes them to backslide. As we study this narrative, we must be sober and aware that these unfortunate consequences of neglecting God can happen in our nations, communities, churches, and homes.
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