Wednesday, June 19: “Stumbling Block”

Matthew 18: 7: “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”

Here is the second reason sin cannot be condoned or excused, even if God is a forgiving God. Sin is destructive: to the sinner, to those affected by the sin, and to the very work of God. God did, indeed, forgive David’s sin against Bathsheba and Uriah; yet, the child born of the illicit union still died. (2 Samuel 12: 13). Why? In the words of Nathan, “Because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.” (v. 14) Thus David eventually learned to pray, “May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, O Lord God of hosts; may those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel.” (Psalm 69: 6)