P. Andy Stanley, irresponsibility affects the community
In Isaiah 9, we see how God is determined to punih Israel,, we also see how he doesnt intend to spare even widows and Orphans, a category of people whom God exclusively stuck out for especially against exploitation, despite his love for this chosen nation
A similar instance occurs in Joshua, when after destroying Jericho's infamous fortress, seized the city of AI, a significantly weak and smaller town, but were plundered. Several died, fathers lost their sons, sons and daughters, their fathers and wives, their husbands. Joshua upon consulting God discovered that one man, took some loot from the fallen city of Jericho, contrary to God's command and as a result made the whole nation sinfuj l and God's favor to depart from them. And as Joshua is there complaining about why some of these innocent people shouldnt hav had to die and that he should have instead punished those sinners (a fairly reasonable argument, I should say).. God tells him to get up and that that shouldnt hav been the time to pray but to act instead.
Joshua then angrily seeks out this person and has him executed as an example to the community. Thereafter they beat Ai, and move on after God's favor is restored.
While we shouldnt practice executiom, we should be chastize our family, friends, brethren, always with the intention of helping them become better people. God expects this of us. Paul recommends we do it gently and in love, not in the desire to gloat or embarrass them. And Solomon in proverbs 27.5 says that in correcting a friend (helping bringing him back to the right path), he may not like it now, but later, he will realize your genuine love for wanting him to become a better person.
The irresponsibility of one person affects the entire community and it is up to us to speak up for truth and Justice if we are to preserve this great nation...
Created 7 months ago
