As we are reading the book of Joshua these days, it struck me how the Israelites still did not learn. They still did not ask the Lord concerning the Gibeonites, as they did not ask Him concerning Ai, which happened not long before. How could they not learn at all?

Looking at my own life, I know I am no different. It’s easy to judge how stiff-necked they were, but am I not doing the same thing? Thinking that I am blessed and favored, that the Spirit of the Lord is in me, and I can just go and make choices as I please, and inform Him of my schedule for the day during my morning prayers? 

“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” – Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If God applies the same punishments to me as He did to the Israelites, I don’t think I will last until today. But I thank God for His mercies that are new every morning, thank Him for His abundant compassion, and especially, thank Jesus for His death, so that I am not consumed in God’s wrath. 

However, it does not mean that I will not suffer any consequences from my mistakes. God has forgiven me, and Jesus has paid the price, yes, but often there is still a price I need to pay for the damage. He is such a Just King who will not let any mistake go unpunished, but by His grace He provides a shelter for anyone who kills the neighbours unintentionally. He also is a good Father who wants to discipline us His children, so when we make mistakes, He also wants us to learn a lesson. As Jesus often said, “go and sin no more”. We walk in freedom in Him, indeed, but let us not abuse the grace to continuously live in sins. 

Is there any pitfall that we continuously fall into? Let’s come to our High Priest, Jesus, ask Him for His grace and forgiveness, and His Holy Spirit for His help, as we walk in the fear of Him. Amen.