Day 71 Through The Bible

Day 71

The Seriousness of Walking Contrary to God: A Reflection on Leviticus 26:27-28 and Luke 17:1-4

We often hear about God’s love, grace, and mercy in our Christian walk. However, there are moments in Scripture where God's anger and His response to disobedience are presented starkly. One such moment is in Leviticus 26:27-28, where God warns of the consequences when His people "walk contrary" to Him. It’s easy to focus on the kindness and forgiveness God offers, but this passage reminds us that God takes our rebellion seriously.

The Biblical Principle: Walking Contrary to God

Leviticus 26:27-28 states:

“And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins.” (Leviticus 26:27-28)

The word “contrary” here is significant. It doesn't simply mean walking in the opposite direction but implies a deliberate, purposeful choice to move away from God’s will. God’s response to this intentional rebellion is equally purposeful and severe. The word “fury” adds another layer to the intensity of God's reaction. It’s not just anger—it’s an overwhelming force that seeks to bring about change.

In the original Hebrew, this word also suggests using heat to transform what is there, highlighting that God's fury is not a fleeting emotion. It’s a powerful, refining force meant to bring about restoration. The “seven times” God mentions indicates completeness or fulfillment. It signifies that God’s judgment is complete. Yet, even amid such severe chastisement, God’s ultimate purpose is not destruction but restoration.

Practical Application: The Severity of Sin and the Message of Restoration

This principle is not just theoretical; it applies to our daily lives. As Christians, we must understand the severity of sin and how seriously God takes it. In Luke 17:1-4, Jesus offers another perspective on sin and forgiveness:

“Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come! It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones. Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:1-4)

Here, we are taught that sin has consequences. Jesus warns that offenses will come, but those who cause others to stumble will face a severe judgment—so severe that it would be better for them to suffer a millstone around their neck than lead others astray. The severity of the consequence matches the seriousness of the offense.

Yet, the ultimate message here is not only about judgment. Even in the face of sin, the emphasis is on repentance and forgiveness. Jesus instructs His disciples to forgive—not once but seven times daily. This number symbolizes completeness—just as God’s chastisement in Leviticus is complete, our forgiveness should also be packed. Amid sin and judgment, God’s goal is always restoration.

Why This Matters

As believers, we are called to walk in the light of God’s truth. Every decision we make, every step we take, should align with His will. Let small compromises slide is easy, but we must remember that sin is not something God takes lightly. There is a reaction when we choose to “walk contrary” to God. But in His mercy, God allows us to repent and be restored. The key is to recognize the seriousness of our actions and the intensity of God's response, yet also to understand that His fury is not meant to destroy us but to restore us.

The concept of seven times, both in God's judgment and in our forgiveness, reminds us that God's ways are perfect. His judgment is complete, but His grace is just as full. In all things, God’s ultimate aim is to bring us back into the right relationship with Him.

Conclusion

The seriousness of walking contrary to God cannot be overstated. Leviticus and Luke remind us that sin brings consequences, but God’s response is always tied to His love for us and His desire to restore us to Himself. In our daily lives, we must be intentional about staying close to God, avoiding the temptation to walk in the opposite direction. When we do fall, we can accept that God is always ready to forgive, and His restoration is complete and transformative.

What a great God we serve—one who balances justice and mercy, fury and love, judgment and restoration.