Consequences

Keep your side of the covenant with God, or else you’ll face consequences.

“The earth is also defiled by its inhabitants, for they violated laws, altered statutes, and broke the everlasting covenant.”—Isaiah 24:5 NASB

It was a dark time. A sense of failure and mourning hung in the air. What had happened?

First, as Isaiah explained, the people had broken God’s laws. Now they were paying the price. Second, they had “altered statutes.” The Hebrew words here suggest they had violated appointments that were important to God. There were things He wanted them to do, but they lacked reverence, and their actions dishonored Him.

Third, they had broken “the everlasting covenant.” Rather than heed His wisdom and direction, they had turned their backs on His Word and His promises.

These conditions inevitably led to problems. God no longer was protecting them, and they had become vulnerable to their enemies. God explained why they weren’t receiving His intended blessings: “A curse devours the earth, and those who live on it suffer for their guilt” (v. 6).

This is what results when we break our covenant relationship with God and turn our back on Him. We can see these consequences today in the lives of many people and nations.

Intercede for God’s forgiveness for the ways they have broken His covenants and sinned against Him. Pray that people will turn to the Lord, honor Him, obey Him, and seek an intimate relationship with Him.

Make a commitment to seek God afresh. Serve Him faithfully and fulfill your covenant relationship with Him. He is ready to bless and protect you!

Reflection Question: Are you keeping your side of the covenant?