Sin Is Reached

SEPTEMBER 23 – 29, 2014 Topic: “Sin Is Reached” Numbers 32:23

Moses knew well that for having the Ark the glory of God was among him and the people of Israel. But, two of the tribes of Israel, Ruben and Gad, who were part of that expedition, asked to establish themselves separately and remain living at the east side of Jordan. The purpose of walking with the Ark was to be blessed with God’s presence during the whole journey; that God’s glory would always be among the nation. For this reason Moses was very much displeased with that petition; that claim meant to despise the solemn securities offered by God on the path to the Promised Land. Numbers 32:16-18 “Then they came up to him and said, “We would like to build pens here for our livestock and cities for our women and children. But we are ready to arm ourselves and go ahead of the Israelites until we have brought them to their place. Meanwhile our women and children will live in fortified cities, for protection from the inhabitants of the land.” But, a secret suspicion that they would not comply with that promise seemed to remain in Moses’ mind, well he continued to speak to them in a tone of reproach, admonition and threat and concluded with a warning that if they did not fulfill their promise, the judgements of an offended God would fall upon them. Numbers 32:23 “But if you fail to do this, you will be sinning against the Lord; and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.” The manner in which Moses acted helped to bring them to a better state of mind. Numbers 32:25 “The Gadites and Reubenites said to Moses, “We your servants will do as our Lord commands”. There was an intention of evilness. Before God, evilness never justifies the means. Reasons are given to do what is wrong and it is even defended. I, the Pastor, struggle against evilness: I am not a friend of evilness. (Job 20:27 “The heavens will expose his guilt; the earth will rise against him (the impious).”) Heaven and earth will conspire against the impious and their possessions will disappear. This is the luck that God reserves for the impious. Let us understand the vain for gaining for this world. The riches accumulate but will soon disappear without leaving a trace. There is a breath of strength and vigor in men, but at the end we return to dust. Sin is always exposed to the light and the heavens and earth turn against it. Proverbs 26:26 “His malice may be concealed by deception, but his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.” Hatred is concealed with pretense. Love is left out and hatred arrives. One needs to measure what is felt for others. The fervent lips when speaking appear to love, pretend to love and hide a heart repleted with hatred. Those who hate try to conceal their enmity with pretty words at the same time that in their interior they scheme deception. Although the person speaks amicably they cannot be trusted. In their heart they conceal seven abominations; that is they are full of perversity and malice. Although their hatred is hidden with much pretense during some time at the end their evilness will be manifested before all. Ecclesiastes 12:14 “For God will bring every deed into judgement, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” What is vain will be burnt. Everything that is obtained in secrecy will receive its pay. We have to fear God and preserve His commandments. It is that there will come the day in which we will encounter God and speak to Him face to face. The consequences for having complied or not with the requirements of His laws will be obtained, which is the total objective of men’s life. Even in this world the consequences are to be seen. Let us seriously consider that we will be accountable before God and we will briefly render all deeds performed in this life, together with every secret (only known by God) whether it is good or bad. How diligent we should be in God’s ways to be able to render with joy our accounts to the Lord! Luke 12:2, 3 “There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs. Sooner or later everything uncovered will be known. What is said in darkness is everything said in an invisible corner of the heart, but, all that will be heard publicly, it will always come to the light. If the faith that a man professes does not have power to dominate and cure the wickedness of his heart (well it will not always serve as a mantle to cover himself with), the day will come in which such hypocrite will be stopped of his “fig leaves.” Do not think that you can destroy the time of grace walking as you desire. Moses remained clear with Ruben and Gad telling them that the glory of God was among them and if what they wanted was to separate themselves from the rest of the tribes and not pass Jordan, well they would receive according to their actions. Let us measure our actions, to make sure that there is no wickedness hidden. Let us take care of our hearts so there won’t be anything hidden, or hatred, or despise what is of God. Let us be transparent, honest and comply with God’s law. Amen.