January 11, 2022

The “cause and effect” life we experience is really the result of our choices… although some are not aware of the certainty of these fixed laws of Yahweh [God].

Near the end of the 40 years wilderness wanderings of the Children of Israel in their “delayed” entry into Canaan Land, later to be know as Israel, Moses gave many instructions to them; not least was the “cause and effect” warnings in Deuteronomy Chapter 28, also know as the chapter of “blessings and cursing.” The warning of Deuteronomy 30:19 above was Yahweh's re-emphasis concerning obedience vs disobedience; in reality, everything has a consequence. It is the same today, He still “would prefer” we choose life and blessing, not cursing and death.

“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 pet 3:9 nkjv

Clearly, Yahweh is longsuffering, patience, gracious and merciful to us… Consider, before creation, somewhere in Yahweh’s eternity of endless time, the Scripture says the “lamb slain before the foundation of the world.” We are told Yahweh sees the end from the beginning, He knows what we will do before we are born. He provided our salvation ahead of our sin… It is a challenge to try to get our minds around Yahweh’s thinking and foreordained work.

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; 18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. 20 He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. 1 pet 1:17-21 nkjv

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” rom 5:8 nkjv

Now, concerning our careless ways, knowingly flaunted in the face of our Creator (and for many unknowingly), the eternal law of God, that according to the Psalmist in 119:89, is forever settled in heaven, is what will judge us on the last day… According to Deuteronomy 30:19, our choices have consequences.

The writer of Hebrews warns us:

“Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord will judge His people.” heb 10:28-30 nkjv

Thankfully, 1 John 1:9 is the antidote of disobedience and sin… available to the repentant sinner and genuinely sought:

”If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 jhn 1:9 nkjv

It seems to me we need to revisit the “rules of the road,” so to speak… It seems a lot of people who claim the salvation God provided through Yeshua [Jesus] have taken too much for granted. Let us examine our hearts and ways… giving pause to consider what Paul told Timothy:

“Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 tim 2:19 nkjv

As we begin this new year, knowing that we are most likely going to face increasing challenges to both our physical and spiritual life… It will be Yahweh’s longsuffering, patience, graciousness and mercy that we will need to overcome the obstacles that try to defeat our faith. I think we need to dig into the promises given Israel long ago, and pursue the favor of divine “cause and effect,” as we determine to make the “right choices,” so we can experience Yeshua’s intersession on our part, which He was “foreordained” to do. There is no substitute for His faithfulness and love for our well being… that’s why the Father gave us His Word, so we could choose life and not death.

Shalom... John