Scripture to Read: Exodus 23:32–33
God promised Israel that He would drive out the inhabitants who were living in the Promised Land. But then God gave a warning to Israel in Exodus 23:32–33. God told the Israelites not to make any treaties with the inhabitants and not to accept any of their false gods. God knows how weak our “flesh” is, and He knew if the Israelites did not follow all of His commands that they would be swayed by the inhabitants and their false gods. God reminds us of how weak our flesh can be in James 1:13–16, “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. 14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.” Notice that we get tempted when we allow our desires and feelings to convince us that we’re right about how we feel. Therefore, we’re “OK” to fulfill our desires the way we want to. The problem is that once we allow our ungodly feelings/passions to lead us, then we are going to commit sinful actions, and those sinful actions always result in death. So, God was seeking to lovingly protect Israel from falling into sin, just like He does for us through His Truth. We must walk in obedience to our Lord or suffer the consequences.
Challenge & Application
· What are some things that God has told you to avoid but it was not until later that you realized how He protected you?
· How have you seen your feelings lead you down the wrong path and it ended up hurting you and maybe even others?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!