January 3, 2013 (Thursday)
“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7 NKJV)
Here we are again, poised on the edge of NFL Playoffs.
When the football games get under way, there are three groups on the field: the two opposing teams and the officials. The officials play a vital role in the game.
When a player violates a rule, he is instantly brought to justice. No discussion. At least that’s the way it used to be. Nowadays there are appeals and reviews. In most instances, the ruling of the officials has been found to be correct. It’s all over in a matter of minutes.
In life, however, the payoff for bad deeds (or good ones) is not always immediate. Sometimes it takes a long time to experience the result of good or bad behavior, but it always comes. The Scripture informs us that we reap what we sow, good or bad.
The great preacher, R.G. Lee, had a sermon he entitled, “Payday Someday.” He preached it many times, and others have preached it also, because it is such a good sermon with a clear message. It is based upon the actions of Ahab and Jezebel, whose crimes were horrible but who finally paid the price for their sins (I Kings 16 – II Kings 9).*
The Scripture predicts consequences in kind. It’s like a farmer planting a crop. If he plants cotton, then cotton will be the crop, not corn or sugar cane.
The good news is, “We reap what we sow.” Sooner or later, in this life or the next, our Lord will reward us for good deeds. The bad news is, “We reap what we sow.” Sin has its own built-in punishment.
Judgment is not always swift, but it is sure.
*Want to know more about Ahab and Jezebel? Read their story here.
Super short version (Ahab and Jezebel): Click here