Psalm 107:17-18

Psalm 107:17-18

The consequences of rebellion

We now move away from the oppression of foreign powers to the far more personal troubles that arose from rebellion and disregard for the Lord God and His laws. Rebellion is caused by foolishness and also increases foolishness. The people here had abandoned God’s ways and served foreign gods or idols; what a foolish thing to do. Their rebellion took them further and further away from YAHWEH and so their foolishness increased. Such behaviour has a detrimental effect on health, both physically and mentally. Listen to these words from Leviticus 26:14-16; “But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands, and if you reject my decrees and abhor my laws and fail to carry out all my commands and so violate my covenant, then I will do this to you: I will bring on you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and sap your strength.” 

There are not many sermons preached on this subject! Most Christians would argue that this was Old Testament Law and it has no relevance today. Really? Listen to these words from Galatians 6:7-8. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction, whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” 

In relation to eating the bread and drinking the cup of Communion, Paul has this to say in 1 Corinthians 11:29-30, “For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgement on themselves. That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.” (i.e. they had died!) Rebellion against the Lord God clearly brings consequences even though He is long suffering and abounding in love and faithfulness. 

 

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