Are you thinking God is far away? Did you know what keeps God at a distance are our crimes? What?! I’m not a criminal! (We can’t afford to admit it…).
It is so difficult to admit we have crime in our ADN. The fact is that the law of your country does not see all the crimes committed by a criminal. Because men cannot see everything that is going on. Al Capone was a good example. He used every violent means to expand his bootlegging empire during the prohibition. But he fell for 22 counts of tax evasion (and not for murder, extortion, or other crimes).
It is true that television series that shows the police solving difficult crimes are extremely popular. But that concerns bad people, not you, right?
God who sees everything reveals that we are a criminal
But God sees everything we do and the way we behave. This is the prophet’s explanation to why God keeps his distance in Isaiah 59.1-2
“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save or His ear dull, that it cannot hear. But it is your sins that have made a separation between you and your God”.
Apparently, God wants to save us from the consequences (cause and effect) that are sure to happen because of our behavior. For God to be able to help us, we just need to admit it. But we have a strategy to avoid feeling guilty. We call our bad language or behavior an « error » or a « mistake ».
We even say our criticism or judgmental attitude can’t hurt anyone. “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt you”. Can you still remember when your teacher said you’ll never make it in life (because you got a bad note in English)?
We may call it something else, but God calls it a crime. (That makes us a criminal, doesn’t it) ?
All that we try to keep secret will one day be revealed
We have had politicians who were destined to become President, but their secret behavior was only known when the scandal was revealed. From that moment on they became criminals in the eyes of men. But in the eyes of God the day the idea germinated in their minds; was the day they became a criminal.
The « Justice for All » campaign
We all seek justice (or find someone to blame) especially when it concerns someone else. Well, your wish is now satisfied. Since the foundation of this world, God has launched a movement « Justice for All » We may escape being judged on this earth, but God will make sure no one escapes going to court in this life or in the world to come. And the judgment will be totally impartial since every act and thought is recorded. He sees every event and the reasons that led up to it. So we cannot escape the Truth.
But He also launched the movement, « Mercy for All » led by the charismatic leader Jesus (whose name means “God saves” and Emmanuel – “God with us”). Because without the mercy of God we would all be exterminated by the consequences of our sins.
We all have many hidden sins and thoughts that even people close to us don’t know about. But God does. And we may want to avoid being arrested or charged for that crime, especially in front of everybody. But that is what God says will happen sooner or later.
The criminal who believed he was innocent
We all feel we are innocent! No one wants to admit it and certainly not denounce himself as a criminal. But sometimes we wish Someone would save us from ourselves. But like we said, our sinful inclination keeps God at a distance. And the gap between us and God can never be bridged. Let’s read a bit further Isaiah 59
1 “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save or His ear dull, that it cannot hear. But your iniquities (non-respect of the Law) have made a separation between you and your God”.
2 And your sins have hidden His face from you so that he does not hear (your prayer for help)”. (RV)
9 “It is because of all this evil you are not finding God’s blessings; that is why He doesn’t punish those who injure you. No wonder you are in darkness when you expected light. You are walking in the gloom. No wonder you grope like blind men and stumble along in bright daylight…
(12) For your sins keep piling up before the righteous God and testify against you.” (Living Bible paraphrase)
Me a criminal? I never stole anything!
Did you know that hacking is stealing someone’s intellectual property? Or stealing someone’s reputation by sharing malicious comments or photos?
God sees everything we want to hide. This is what Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew 5.21-22:
The Crime of Murder
21 “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22 But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.
The Crime of Adultery
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5.27-28)
We have invented a hierarchy by saying certain crimes are worse than others
But here is a list of that the apostle Paul mentions in Romans 1:28-32 as being typical sins (or crimes) of men:
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind so that they do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of
- envy,
- murder,
- strife,
- deceit and
- malice.
- They are gossips,
- 30 slanderers,
- God-haters,
- insolent,
- arrogant
- and boastful
- they invent ways of doing evil
- they disobey their parents
- 31 they have no understanding,
- no fidelity,
- love is lacking,
- no mercy.
- 32 Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
Does that mean if we are gossips, arrogant, or slanderers we also deserve death?
Before going on to the second part of this post “The Real Crime is to ignore God’s offer“
Let’s Pray
Lord Jesus, I’ve always considered myself innocent, at least not worse than anyone else. But I have to admit that your Word shows me the contrary.
I see that You have declared all of us « Guilty » so that we realize we only have one option. That an Innocent pays our debt to society and to God on our behalf. And that a second chance and a new identity are granted. And you also give us the means to make it good. Thank you for this wonderful discovery.
Forgive me Lord and give me the desire for your Word of truth.