Leviticus 26 GOD'S GOVERNMENT In order to maintain a society that runs peacefully and functions orderly to produce the best possible effect upon the citizens in that place, we need the controlling power of authority. God designates this in the scriptures by appointing the husband to be responsible for his wife and children at home; elders to be responsible for the proper functioning of an assembly and the "powers that be" as "ministers of righteousness" for a nation. His intention was to be all of those in relation to the children of Israel. If the people obeyed Him, they would experience the blessings of full and plenty in material things. They would not have to fear their enemies because the Lord would deal with them in His own way. They could live and walk upright as free men with their heads held high and their hearts contented. God's presence would be gladly enjoyed among them.
God, in grace, has liberated us from the bondage of sin by His grace alone, even though we don't deserve any of His mercies. We have been given the Holy Spirit that we might live above the challenges of the world, the flesh and the devil by His power in us. There is no need to live defeated lives when confronted with the temptations that come and the enemies that surround us. The patterns of life when we were in our sins, has been defeated by divine power. But that will only be experienced when we are obedient to God's revealed will, and we are committed to walk in ways He has directed us to in His word. When that is the case, we are walled about by the protection God has provided for us. His "strength is made perfect in weakness." Our spiritual prosperity is based on our obedience to our gracious Father.
Israel was not an obedient nation as a whole for very long. Some of the early generations experienced those times of peace God promised. But divine government should never be taken for granted. The principles related to righteous living and justice are not up for discussion as to whether they should be changed or not. There are always consequences for sin. God's purpose in bringing or allowing tragedies may be for a number of reasons. In Israel, and it is possible today as well, one reason was because of their disobedience and unwillingness to do what they knew was right. Sometimes tragedy happens to us because of someone else's sin. Innocent people often suffer because of the neglect and/or choices of another. Unfit parenting has injured many children. People have been injured or killed because of careless or drunken drivers. Peacekeepers have been attacked by those who are totally self-centered. Natural disasters have also caused serious consequences to property, life and health. We may not, and usually cannot, discern at the time things happen why they happened. But we are wise to seriously consider ourselves and whether we are disobedient or obedient to the will of God. Calamity is not always the result of wrong-doing but it is a good time for serious and spiritual reflection.
In the case of the nation of Israel, God's action was taken to bring about repentance and restoration to them. The value of punishment is that it changes behavior when accepted properly. Chastening "yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." God had clearly defined the manner of life He expected from His people. There was never a question as to His mercy and long-suffering toward those He loved and who were His own people. His desire for them was very clearly stated. The consequences were easy to understand. His love was demonstrated in that He gave them many opportunities to repent. Even when they fell under His chastening hand of judgment, it was an act of revealed love. On many occasions it brought about repentance, but not permanent changes. That is why the years of captivity were like "years the locusts have eaten." They spent years in captivity and even yet are not what God had in mind for their purpose and well-being when He chose them. That will come because God does have a future for Israel.
Misplaced guilt has no place in the lives of God's people today. To look for some reason for punishment behind every difficulty that arises in our life, is not a proper way to understand God's will. To try to find a reason for blame when disasters happen or trouble comes on others, is not our right. However, to consider everything that happens to us as an accident of nature, or just something we have to put up with, is not right either. Take time to meditate on God's Word and then seek to understand events in our lives as God's way of training us to be effective in His service. If we make the mistake of thinking our Lord is not aware of our attitudes and actions, He can change that very quickly. "For this cause, many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep." He wants us to be representatives of Him among the people and place in which we find ourselves. May we never forget the laws, judgments and principles we live by as believers, influences others so they know the One we belong to says of Himself, "I am the Lord."
These are not just opinions; they are promises from God. None are careless decisions of men; they are in the written Word. To listen and heed what God says, then act according to His will - Affected the life of the nation then, and does the same for many still.
God's judgments are not complicated, nor are they in any way unfair. The principles of living a meaningful life are the same about everywhere. He knows what is best for us, these principles were in the beginning. Blessing comes from genuine obedience, consequences come from sinning.
To deliberately go our own way, even after being taught what is right - Not only has bad results for us, but are abhorrent actions in God's sight. Consequences for right or wrong, happen as sure as night follows day. The wise person will submit to God's government in all they do or say.
It is impossible not to lose, if one chooses to ignore God's laws, For every disobedient action we take, take time to consider the cause - If difficulties arise, or tragedy that comes on us unexpected. Perhaps it is God's way of speaking when one has His will rejected.
Not all that happens to us is caused by something undone or unknown guilt. There are those lessons we have not learned until some pain is felt. It may be an act of divine grace when God allows difficulty to come some way. That may be the very thing that keeps us from falling under sin's dread sway.
"Father, I know there are things that have happened in our nation that appear to be acts from Thy controlling hand of discipline. In our assembly, age is taking its toll on our number, and none have been saved and baptized to fill the seats of those who have passed on. In my life I am experiencing the limitations of age and deteriorating health. Please teach us all - and particularly me - the lessons I need yet to learn. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."