There are more wages to sin than death.

“The wages of sin . . .” Romans 6:23 KJV

We all know the rest of our lead verse today, “The wages of sin is death.” But there are other wages of sin long before death. Genesis teaches us about consequences for the actions of our life and the decisions we make. Adam and Eve decided to disobey God. They didn’t die physically at that point, but they did die spiritually. The process of physical death began and that contains all the maladies of life that accompany aging. They also were expelled from their home and forced to live a hard life of hard work and great frustration. That mankind is a slow learner is seen in the account of Jacob and Esau.

Esau had already sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of stew. But Jacob was not content. Esau still had the promise of their father Abraham waiting for him. Rebecca, their mother, wanted that blessing for Jacob instead so she conspired with him to trick Abraham into giving it to Jacob instead of Esau. What was the result? There was a fractured family. Esau wanted to kill Jacob. Jacob had to flee from Esau and that separated him from his mother who lost her most loved son. Jacob lived far away for twenty years and was cheated and tricked by his father-in-law multiple times. He worked day and night and ended up with an unhappy home. Oh, yes, there are wages of sin long before death. But, thanks be to God, there is also forgiveness when we come in confession and repentance to the cross of Christ.

Dear Father, Thank You for the clear teachings that your ways are best and my ways will end in disaster. Forgive me for choosing my selfish way and guide me in Yours. Amen. 

  The Friday Benediction

Until Monday, my friends, may the good God envelop you with His grace; may you prove the common confession of faith, “I believe in the holy Christian church and in the fellowship of the saints”, and may you be enriched with joy and hope as you exercise that confession this weekend.  Amen

 

For quality inspirational, educational, and fictional Christian books visit www.davidccraig.net