Blessings & Curses

Our words and actions will always have some form of impact on both ourselves and the world around us. If we speak or act rebelliously or on impulse, neglecting God’s good counsel, the resulting consequences, like a curse, can haunt us forever. God has our best interests at heart. He desires and wishes only the best for His children.

I remember one occasion when the aggravating behavior of my youngest brother pushed me to my breaking point. Without thinking, I lashed out with a back-hand across the side of his head. Unfortunately, the watch I was wearing left a gash and drew blood as he fell to the floor. The blow was dangerously close to his temple. The outcome could have been far more serious if the point of impact had been slightly lower. It was frightening to realize that my unchecked temper could have easily cursed my whole future.

The Curse of Sin - In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 21 – King Jehoram murders all his brothers because of the potential threat to his throne. In order to consumate an alliance with Israel he marries the daughter of Ahab against God’s wishes. He also leads Judah into spiritual harlotry through the worship of other gods. As a result he receives a terminal illness as part of God’s judgment. But like a curse, the consequences of his sin extend far beyond himself. Jehoram’s southern kingdom of Judah experiences military loses and is ravaged by the enemy. His capital city is taken and the palace plundered. His children are killed and he is buried without honour after finally succumbing to his illness.

A Blessing for the Faithful – In Chapter 9 of Revelation – those who put their faith in Jesus will be sealed by God (a mark of His blessing) to protect them from the coming judgment. It is beyond belief that many of the unprotected (who manage to escape death in this situation) will remain stubbornly defiant and refuse to repent of their murders, sorcery, sexual immorality, and theft. Rebellion against God will translate into a cursed existence without Him, now and beyond this life. The choice is ours. God will not turn away anyone who turns to Him through Jesus.

God’s Word Spells It Out – The scroll described in Zechariah, Chapter 5 represents the “Word of God” which spells out potential blessings and curses. Through His word God is letting us know that sin has consequences; sin leads to separation from God; sin leads to death. I am so thankful that God-the-Father has overcome sin and death through Jesus God-the-Son!

The Ultimate Blessings - In John, Chapter 8 - Jesus describes the ultimate blessings for those who put their trust in Him. He says, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." He also declares that anyone who keeps His word will never see death!