Topic: Trivialization of Evil [Saturday January 14, 2017]
Text: Exodus 22:18-31
Key Verse: “Whosoever lieth with a beast shall surely be put to death” (Exodus 22:19).
Today, evil is mostly trivialized and sin glamorized. This is noticeable from the increasing attempt to downplay the horror of sin by calling even the grossest of sins by nice-sounding names. It is no longer adultery but “affairs,” “fling” or, at worse, “cheating”. This unfortunate sentiment does not end in names but has affected people’s attitude to sin.
The most despicable sins that once bore the stigma of guilt and shame are now so tolerated and even applauded such that those who voice their exception to them are reproached. Men may soft-glove sin as to make it the norm, but it does not nullify God’s holy standard nor does it mitigate the severity of His judgment on those who walk contrary to them. God expressed His utter abhorrence to sin when He gave laws to Israel which served to regulate their conduct towards Him and towards fellow humans. Today’s text is part of the laws. Notice that most of the crimes listed here carry the death penalty.
These include witchcraft – all acts connected with meddling with familiar or evil spirits; bestiality – sexual activity between human and animal; idolatry; oppression of the vulnerable people, and so on. The essence of these ordinances is captured in verse 31 – “And ye shall be holy men unto me…”. God has always wanted His people to distance themselves from the evils practised by others. In the New Covenant, the Church is not required to execute capital punishment on sinners, yet God’s hatred for sin remains strong. So is His judgment against unrepentant sinners.
Neither should anyone think that the existence of God’s pardoning grace gives us incentive to sin. “…Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1,2). We must not join the ranks of those who trifle with sin. God’s judgment against sin is sure to be executed. Indeed, “the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17).
Thought for the day: The nearer you are to light, the more glaring and damning your sin will be.
Bible Reading in one Year: Acts 1-2
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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