Reasons for Judgment

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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When the defeated host returned to camp, the elders said, “Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines?” “Wherefore?” indeed. Was not the reason apparent? Can a holy God sanction evil in His people and also deliver them from their foes? They acknowledged Him in terms (“The Lord hath smitten us”), but they had no real sense of having to do with Him at all.
“You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities” (Amos 3:22You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities. (Amos 3:2)) is a principle of the greatest importance. To be in special relationship with God is at once deeply blessed and deeply solemn. “Begin at My sanctuary,” said the God of the Old Testament (Ezek. 9:66Slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which were before the house. (Ezekiel 9:6)); “Judgment must begin at the house of God,” says the God of the New (1 Peter 4:1717For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (1 Peter 4:17)). If His people lose sight of what is due to Him, it is always present to His mind, and He will not fail to judge the dishonor to His holy name.