Wednesday 6 March 2013

Cheaters Never Prosper


Scripture: Zechariah 5 v 3-4; Romans 12 v 17-21.


Nothing makes people more upset than injustice. People that get off on a technicality in court when their guilt is obvious to all turns some communities into vigilante mode. Nobody but the villian feels good about the fact that he got away with his crime.

As Christians we are told not to be judge, jury and executioner. But we want to be reassured that God is doing something to repay the wrongdoer. Trust me, God never let's the thief get away with it. In Zechariah He says this is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole world - every thief and everyone that even uses God's name as a swear word - will be cut off. Those words mean they will die. Maybe not immediately but God will carry out His word. The unrepentant will have his house completely destroyed.

There are untouchable people in high places who seem to survive corruption and fraud but our God makes no distinction for the high and mighty. They are all going to receive their just desserts.

Theft covers many things - theft of innocence by rapists, molesters, paedophiles. Theft of a human life by murder; theft of a person's reputation by slander; theft of a spouse through adultery; piracy of media products such as dvd's; theft of tithes by unscrupulous pastors.

Some years ago there was a televangelist in the USA who asked for donations in exchange for prayer for healing. It was found that the bank account number was directly into his account and the postal address was the same as the bank. The clerks were just throwing the letters away and banking the donations. When this scam was exposed this man then told his TV audience that he had in fact got blood poisoning from lying on the letters and praying over them for days. I am not sure what God has done to repay this thief to his face but I would not like to be in his shoes.

Jesus says we must not avenge ourselves but allow Him to be the righteous judge. His punishments can be severe.  Jesus means what He says and unless we repent of stealing of all kinds or using God's name as a curse word we are in danger of His judgment. The judgments of the Lord are fearful. Either serious illness or death.

Those who repent and become born again will be forgiven and there is never any condemnation from Him again. Your life must be lived according to His will for you and you will know joy unspeakable and full of glory.

Prayer: Father God so many of us at some time have sworn or stolen even some tiny thing but Your word excuses none of us. Please forgive us every theft and every curse of your name and cleanse us with the Blood of Jesus. We repent (ie change our ways) and will never do such things again. Please deliver us from Your judgment against us. In Jesus' name. Amen.