Consequences - do you think punishment?

Isaiah 50:1-3 (NLT)
1 This is what the Lord says: “Was your mother sent away because I divorced her? Did I sell you as slaves to my creditors? No, you were sold because of your sins. And your mother, too, was taken because of your sins. 2 Why was no one there when I came? Why didn’t anyone answer when I called? Is it because I have no power to rescue? No, that is not the reason! For I can speak to the sea and make it dry up! I can turn rivers into deserts covered with dying fish. 3 I dress the skies in darkness, covering them with clothes of mourning.”


Those who say they trust in the Lord yet have faced difficult consequences of life are likely to complain God was the author of their problems. It is easier to blame another than it is for one to blame themselves and take ownership of their actions. In these verses from Isaiah God challenges His people to prove He was the cause of their bitterness. He questions them as to whether He departed from them or they did they depart from God. God asks them why they didn’t come seeking Him instead of complaining. Was it because God had no power; no, for God is able to do great and wondrous things.


The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the word consequence as follows: “a conclusion derived through logic or something produced by a cause or necessarily following from a set of conditions.” When many people think of consequences they think of the word punishment. They do not look at the logic of their actions creating a result; instead they examine the emotions brought about by their actions. A consequence is not the same as punishment, but many people believe a negative consequence they receive from inappropriate actions by themselves or others is punishment. While we have laws that punish wrongful actions, God in His mercy provides grace. God allows us to make our choices and face our consequences, either be positive or negative. When the consequences are positive we often forget to praise God for guiding us; but when the consequences are negative we are quick to blame God instead of admitting we did not follow Him. Think about God’s questions to Israel. Who left the path of righteousness, you or God? Have you called out to God to admit your failures and ask for help? Did you answer when He was calling you? Do you trust God can do wondrous things in your life? Remember as you answer that our positive or negative consequences are a result of the actions we take with our free will. God is not to blame if we feel we are being punished for our negative consequences; instead we should accept the responsibility and ask for His forgiveness.