2nd Samuel 12:13. “And David said unto Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said unto David, ‘The Lord hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.’” THE WAGES OF SIN. One man – strong in battle – brave in spirit – loyal to his master Lying by the king’s gate – obeying the king’s command – faithful to God Carrying his own death sentence – called to do battle again Lying dead because of deception – the wages of sin!
The sound of a new-born – smiles that melt hearts from a child’s face Infant sounds – then sounds of a child – watching adult eyes Perhaps behind the adult-smiles are pangs of guilt – as times pass, they ease Until the word of the Lord comes – a week of grief and the child dies – the wages of sin!
Dutiful soldiers who trust their leaders – following orders to advance Following Uriah – falling back when ordered – still in range Lie dying in the field of battle – wondering why – against better judgment Families and perhaps children mourn – the wages of sin!
Death following with silent footsteps – the family fails and falls Tragedies of great dimension track them wherever they go Why do such things happen? Why does God allow it? God arranged it to preserve future generations – the wages of sin!
Parental indulgence allowing what should be prohibited – saying it is love Acquaintances introducing others to new experiences – and substances Pressure to conform to those who form the majority – acceptance Premature aging on the face – discolored hands and skin – the wages of sin!
New flavors that burn and change the mind – speech without control Gradual dependence – needing the unnecessary – hands that shake Mind pictures that seem real – increasing poverty – left alone Others who truly loved are forsaken – the wages of sin!
Arguments over things trivial – discussions that never seem to end – contention Divisions caused by insisting opinions – demands made for superficial conformity Divisions not measured in feet or miles – insistence on surrender where there is no battle What was strong becomes weak – then non-existent – the wages of sin!
“May I learn well, O God, the lessons of life from the sins of others. I do not want to repeat what can be learned by remembering, reading and responding to Thy teaching from the sad experiences, others passed through. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”