Getting Below the Layers of Sin

Thistlebend Quiet eMoment

by Laurie Aker

Focus Scripture: Luke 9:7-9 ESV

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening,
and he was perplexed, because it was said by some
that John had been raised from the dead,
8 by some that Elijah had appeared,
and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen.
9 Herod said, “John I beheaded,
but who is this about whom I hear such things?”
And he sought to see him. 
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Herod thought to himself, how can this be?
“John I beheaded, but who is this…?”

John had confronted Herod about marrying his brother’s wife,
but Herod had no intention of leaving her.
It is interesting that he felt so threatened.
Guilt has an interesting and insidious way of spitting fire.
We need to be wise and careful about confronting someone
who is in sin — he or she might take your head off.
Probably not literally.

When someone is in sin they are often want to continue in it.
It is a part of their world. It is familiar.
Sin is blinding and binding to all of us.
We self-protect unconsciously, we hide our sin from others,
we dress it up to look like something else,
we build a 12 foot thick wall around it,
and if necessary a moat.
We do anything we can to block anyone who might be a threat.

Thankfully, most of us don’t go to the lengths that Herod did.
But our defenses are still multi-layered, varied, and masterful.
Ever wonder why it can take so long to change
when you finally do confess your sin
and turn in genuine repentance?
There are layers of sin to remove.

TAKING THE TRUTH TO HEART

Would you allow these thoughts
to cross the moat of your defenses,
enter beyond the gate,
and penetrate the wall of protectiveness?
Would you be willing to ask the Lord
to search your heart today?
Would you be willing to ask Him
to reveal areas of sin in your life,
in your heart, in your thinking?
Would you be willing to ask Him to show you
any actions, words, or deeds
that indicate any unrighteousness?
That would speak of ungodliness,
idolatry, self-centeredness, or ….?

AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE

Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart.
Take it with you throughout the day.

PRAYER

I confess that I am a sinner
in need of your grace daily.
Lord, have mercy.
“Hear my prayer, O Lord;
give ear to my pleas for mercy!
In your faithfulness answer me,
in your righteousness!” (Psalm 143:1)

In His hands for His glory,

Laurie
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