CHOICES & CONSEQUENCES

Scripture reference: Genesis 49:5-7 Exodus 32:25-29

No matter how cliché it sounds it’s true that all choices have consequences.

The way you decide to live your life, the places you go, the people you hang around, the job you do, the food you eat, the person you choose to marry, and the way you express your emotions. All of these have their resultant consequences. This consequence can be positive or negative.

The scripture reference in Genesis 34 is about two brothers; Simeon and Levi. Shechem raped their sister Dinah (when she went to see the daughters of the land) After which he went with his father to ask for permission to marry her but the brothers deceived the men and out of anger killed all the men in the city while they were sour from the circumcision which was Levi and Simeon’s condition for allowing the guy marry their sister.

15 Chapters later,

The consequence of their choice was a curse from their dying father, at the point of blessing they got a curse. This is not to excuse Shechem (in fact he lost his life and that of his kinsmen to that decision) but Levi and Simeon’s act of vengeance robbed them of their inheritance.

In the eternal purpose of God a man represent a generation.

So, two men who couldn’t manage their anger brought a curse upon their generation.

Several generations later, the guys who made the decisions had died but the consequences of their actions (the curse) is alive and healthy, The tribes were broken, just like a lot of our families are damaged because of one person’s action, there are probably things happening in your life that started before you were born. This was how most foundational problems started; someone down the line made a bad decision and everyone along the line is suffering for it.

SIMEON:

Simeon was broken and to date, there is no record that the descendants broke the curse. They are still scattered.

BUT LEVI,

In Exodus 32:25-29 Moses returned from the mountain to see that the people had gone after idols, Then he asked that anyone who was on God’s side should come to him, and guess who came? ALL THE MEN OF LEVI, It’s true that grandpa Levi had made a wrong choice, he was a murderer and a deceiver but that day his descendant broke the curse by choosing the side of God. vs 29: Then Moses said, “You have been set apart to the Lord today, for you were against your own sons and brothers, and he has blessed you this day.”

In Conclusion,

The first choice denied them their father’s blessing but the second choice got them a blessing from their God. Where was the tribe of Simeon when Levi was coming out? Don’t let wrong choices and their consequences keep you perpetually bound, don’t let them overcome you. like Levi, the prodigal son, and David also made wrong choices. It’s true that some choices are less fatal than others yet, it’s never too late to make the right choice. We must always remember that most of the decisions we are making now will outlive us.

Finally,

I implore you to make a choice that is honest, just, pure, lovely, virtuous, and of good report. Most importantly, let’s remember that all our earthly choices have eternal consequences. It’s important that you make a decision for Christ; It doesn’t matter if like the prodigal son and Naomi your choices have led you astray, you can still come back home, like Levi and Paul, you can still migrate to the Lord’s side. More than you’re willing to come, He is willing to accept you. Come to him today, this is the most important choice you’ll have to make, I pray for you to make the right one.

Let’s pray

Our God and our father, we thank you because you own our times and lead us in the path of righteousness for your namesake. Lord, we ask that you be the Lord of our choices and for everyone trapped in bad choices; help them to see your light. Lord, henceforth we ask that our choices will lead us to your perfect plan for our lives. We make the right choices in all areas of our lives by the leading of your spirit. In Jesus’ mighty name.. Amen

God bless you, I’ll see you next week.

Written by Blessing Fadipe Eliezra