Friday, October 18, 2013

Affliction in the Physical and of the Property

1 Samuel 6:4-5 KJV
Then said they, What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to him? They answered, Five golden emerods, and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines: for one plague was on you all, and on your lords.
Wherefore ye shall make images of your emerods, and images of your mice that mar the land; and ye shall give glory unto the God of Israel: peradventure he will lighten his hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.

Though no mention of the plague of mice is made previous to this, it is obvious that the Philistines viewed the affliction of their bodies and of their land equally as chastening for having God's Ark. 
  • The physical affliction because they chose to take the Ark
  • The affliction of property because they brought it to their own country
I am reminded that the original curse included both chastisement for Adam and Eve, and upon the earth. Our choices not only bear an impact on our lives but on those around us and often on those things we possess. 
  • Times of drought
  • Pockets with holes
  • Infestations of pests
All can be consequences of sin as equally as can be some form of physical affliction or displeasure. Therefore when we seek to make restitution for sin we should include not only confessions and apologies but also financial and material restoration. Zaccheus, for instance, promised to restore fourfold to those he had wronged. He not only apologized, but he also returned what he had taken. 

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