Israel failed to destroy the nations in the land, as the Lord had commanded them. Instead, they mingled among the pagans and adopted their evil customs. They worshipped their idols, which led to their downfall. They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters. By sacrificing them to their idols of Canaan, they polluted the land with murder. They defiled themselves by their evil deeds, and their love of idols was adultery in the Lord’s sight. That is why the Lord’s anger burned against his people, and he abhorred his own special possession. Psalm 106: 34-40 NLT
There is a limit to love. Even the deepest love has boundaries. God may love the world but God will be angry when the world abhors God.
The chosen people did not do as God said. God’s commandments were not trivial; God knew that if the people began to mingle with others, they would begin to do awful thing and to forget God. God’s commandment to kill all the people in the promised land had a purpose but God’s people did not follow through.
They disobeyed God.
They mingled with pagans.
They adopted their customs.
They worshipped idols - breaking a commandment.
They sacrificed their children - breaking a commandment and God’s heart.
They polluted the land with murder, defiled themselves and committed adultery.
God was filled with anger and disgust.
And it all began with disobeying the first request.
God, how many times have I not followed the simplest request from you and found myself in deep trouble? You have every right to be angry. I ask for the mercy found in Jesus to cover all my sins and place me again on the right path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright Amelia G. Sims 2012
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