When you read the stories in scripture like Moses trying to weasel out of his assignment, you might think, “What in the name of all that is Holy would compel him/her to make such a grievous error?” (Exodus 3:10-16). Then we shake our heads and say, “There is no way I would do that” sort of like what the Pharisees said about the nation killing the Old Testament Prophets (Matthew 23:23-36). As newlyweds, my wife and I watched a mother dealing with her out-of-control children so we shook our heads and vowed that “our children would never behave like that”; then, we found out just how hard it is to raise children that every bit like us including temperaments. Scripture affords a lot of information including a window into the lives of the nation but what it does not answer is, “Why did they do that?” until we make the same mistake or are presented with similar challenges.

            The thing about mistakes in judgment and “sin” is that it is humbling because the spotlight then turns on us and many times it is at the worst possible moment. My encouragement for you today is that when you read the accounts of people in scripture and see your peers dealing with sin is that you will consider your downfalls and find ways to help your peers without coming across like one of Job’s three friends (Matthew 7:1-5).

Father,

Sin is a blight but it is also a very real entity in our world. We may never know why people make bad choices and maybe that’s not important. Please help me today and always treat people, even the unrepentant, with grace and mercy just like you did for me. Help remember my words, “You are never too far from sin than the moment you sit to judge” (Mike Krier). Please forgive my hidden faults and sins and above learn from them so that I will not repeat them.

In His Service MK