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Jarrod Jacobs: "Sin Ruins Everything!"

Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10) get much attention from Bible students because they are noted as doing something without God’s authority. Sadly, their choice ended their lives! Their sin might have seemed “harmless” or without consequence, but we see that this sin had dire and immediate consequences! Yes, sin ruins everything it touches (Ecc. 9:18b)! Leviticus 10 teaches this loud and clear!

For a more exact explanation, read Leviticus 8-10. These chapters record events all happening on the same day – the “inauguration day” of the Tabernacle and the worship of God. On the same day that we see God’s beautiful plan in action, we also see things ruined when Nadab and Abihu sinned and “offered strange (foreign) fire before the Lord” (Lev. 10:1). Their action resulted in God killing them for their disobedience. How ironic that on the day in which God sent down fire to light the altar (Lev. 9:24), He then sent down fire to stop men from violating His command (Lev. 10:2).

Of course, this fire stopped them dead (Lev. 10:2)! Now, a father of four has had his children reduced by 50%! On the day dedicated to God and His worship, Aaron has to watch the bodies of his boys carried out of the camp (Lev. 10:4-5)! Yet, he can have no part in this, nor tell his boys goodbye (Lev. 10:6-7)! What a tragedy! What suffering! Yes, sin ruins everything!

These things could have been avoided if these men had acted in a way pleasing to God and not when God had been silent. Their sin left a “dark cloud” over the events of the day and certainly hurt a loving father who no doubt had planned on working with his sons at the Tabernacle for many years!

It is no different today. When men yield to their lusts and sin, it will result in death every time (Jas. 1:14-15)! Sin does not build; it destroys. Read just the first few chapters of Genesis and see the destructive nature of sin. Sin destroys man’s relationship with God (Gen. 3:6). It destroys man’s relationship with his family (Gen. 4:1-11). Sin destroys people’s minds (Gen. 6:5). It then destroyed the lives of millions in Genesis 6-8! Sin’s destruction is recorded throughout Bible history (Rom. 15:4)! Just as it destroyed the lives and unity of a family in Leviticus 10, sin destroys in the very same way today (Rom. 6:23)!

Think not only of the lives that have been ruined by sin but also the people who were hurt as they saw their friends and family harmed by sin. Sin harms us all! No man is an island (Rom. 14:7).

What is your view of sin? Is there any wonder why God’s people from Old and New Testament days preached a message of repentance? Repent of your sins or perish (Lk. 13:3, 5). God has commanded all men everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). Now we know why! Turning back to God and following in the footsteps of Christ is the only thing that will save us from destruction! If the sons of Aaron had listened to God, they would have been spared an instant death! Just think of what you will avoid if you will repent of your sins today and obey the Lord (Heb. 5:9). Do not continue down the path that leads to destruction. Instead, repent and walk the path that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14).

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167

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