1 Kings 2:46c “Thus the kingdom was established in the hands of Solomon.”

CAN’T ESCAPE FOREVER

You really should read the entire chapter of 1 Kings 2.  David has died and Solomon is king.  But before David dies he gives Solomon some instructions concerning two individuals (Joab and Shimei) who seemingly had escaped the consequences from earlier rebellions and sin.  I bet these two guys thought, “Whew, that was close.  David’s dead so we are home free.”  Nope!  Read the chapter to see the whole story.

We are the same way, aren’t we?  We think if we can hide our sin so that no one knows about it, we can escape the consequences.  We may very well escape any visible consequence here in this life, but unconfessed sin has its consequences in eternity.  We will answer for every deed we do here on this earth.

TEACHING MOMENT

The next time you discipline your child for disobeying you, share this chapter with them.  Now, Joab and Shimei both lost their lives for their sins.  Don’t scare your kids to death.  Lol.  But they should know that the discipline they are receiving is a result of a rebellious spirit, which is sin.  Sin has consequences.

I see too many parents today who allow their children to talk hatefully to them and others.  I see parents who are “afraid” to correct their children for fear of “stifling their spirit.”  Hogwash!  God demands that we, as parents, correct and discipline our children.  The family is a model of our relationship with our Heavenly Father who demands obedience.

Maybe you are hiding a sin right now.  Are you?  Do you have a unconfessed sin which you need to make right with the Lord?  Do it now.  Bow before Him and ask for forgiveness.  Allow Him to wash away that sin in your life.  There may be consequences for your sin.  Accept them as a purifying fire to make you more like Him.

Father, forgive me of sinning against You.  Cleanse me of my wrongdoing.  Set my feet back on the path of righteousness and use me to advance Your kingdom.