Consequences

In house church we have been going through the book of Joshua. There are many things that God has commanded us to not do. Not because he wants to make our lives harder. But because in our obedience to his commands we find protection and blessings that exceed our expectations.

In Joshua 7, God became angry with the Israelites because someone had disobeyed his commands. Joshua found out about the situation after a failed attack on the city of Ai:

“Israel has sinned; they have violated my covenant, which I commanded them to keep. They have taken some of the devoted things; they have stolen, they have lied, they have put them with their own possessions. That is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies; they turn their backs and run because they have been made liable to destruction. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction.”
Joshua 7:11-12

God has a reason for all that he commands and there were consequences for Achon, the Israelite that disobeyed, and his entire household. After Achon confessed that he had stolen he was put to death along with his family, and all his possessions burned. Achon’s disobedience had far reaching consequences that he never intended.

After Achon’s death, God told Joshua to attack the city of AI again. This time, they came out victorious and took possession of all that the city had to offer. God blessed his people for being obedient to his commands. After, this Joshua read all the laws that God gave them, so that they would all be reminded and not sin against God.

When it comes to disobedience there are times when it could result in death. Other times it can mean taking a longer, harder path then God intended for your life. When God tells you to do something, you do it. In Deuteronomy 28:1 it says,

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.”

Just like God had plans for the Israelites. He has plans for you as well. But will you be obedient and follow his direction when he reveals it to you? Or will you take a different path because it seems easier?

Bethany Thomas is the Publicity Coordinator and a contributing writer for Shaken & Stirred. She is a daughter of God, a wife, and a dog mom. When not writing for the blog, you are most likely to find her reading a fantasy novel or crafting at her home in Sapulpa, OK.

 Photo by Bradyn Trollip on Unsplash

Consequences // Sheila Dorris

There may be someone in your life that you look up to and admire. They may have different qualities that you may like. Maybe they just seem to have their life somehow a little more together than yours. You strive to be like them, but something or someone may drag you down.

As we have learned in the previous weeks, Tamar has been through a lot of hardships. Marrying Er, who displeased God so much that God killed him. Yikes! Then being given in marriage to her selfish brother-in-law, Onan (who also angered God and died). According to custom Tamar needed to be given to Shelah once he had grown up. But Judah was hesitant. I mean, I kinda get that maybe he's thinking Tamar is just bad luck, or evil. 

Tamar, was upset that she was sent back to live with her father. It was not her fault her husbands had made God angry. So when Tamar learns that: 

1. Shelah had grown up 

2. Her father-in-law was in town 

3. Judah hadn’t sent for her 

Tamar becomes a little more DARING and disguises herself as a prostitute. She’s done waiting. 

Judah comes to her not knowing she is his 2 time daughter-in-law and wants um...well ya know…some hanky panky. If he had only known it was her he probably would have been worried for his own safety after what happened to two of his sons.  

Before they sleep together she wants to know what her payment will be in return. He offers her a goat, but she asks for a pledge in the meantime, something of his that would prove his identity (His staff and seal with the cord). Tamar was risking it all now. She was lying to her father-in-law about who she was, about to have sex with him, and demanding assurances ahead of time!

Once Judah was back home, he sent his servant with payment so that he could get his personal items back. But they could not find the prostitute. In fact, no one knew of a prostitute in that area. 

Then Judah received word: 

‘“Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.”

Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!”’
(Genesis 38:24)

Tamar was like, hold up a minute! Take a look at these personal belongings I have of my child's father. Do you recognize anything? Hmmmm? 

“Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again.”
(Genesis 38:26)

In the end, Tamar was blessed with twin boys and now she had the protection she needed. In the end, she was given the number of children she had been promised. One child for each of her marriages.  

So in this situation no one was fully in the right. All parties took the situation and tried to fix it the only way they knew how: Judah was protecting his remaining son and Tamar just wanted the children she was promised. We all make mistakes like this and yet because of God’s grace through Jesus, we can become God's children. We are not always going to do things right, only Jesus was able to manage that feat. 

The person you look up to the most isn't going to do everything right. No matter how "together" they appear. They could be a part of the lineage of Jesus Christ but it doesn't matter in the end because they still mess up. We must look to God to take care of these situations. Lean in on him, and be DARING as you act on HIS commands.

Sheila Dorris is the adoptive mother of three (now) adult children and is now enjoying being an empty nester. Sheila shares co-ownership of Mojo Merchandise, in downtown Sand Springs, with her best friend. Sheila has served and continues to serve in many areas at Church that Matters. Including: House Church, KTM, Access, Guest Services, and on the production team as a Live Stream Host. Sheila is famous for her sermon notes, taken each week as a guide for others on Facebook. This often starts conversations between those who may have questions about church or may just need to hear the sermon. She loves being silly and making people smile. If you see her, stop her and say "Hello".

Photo by Adele Shafiee on Unsplash