Delayed Action
DELAYED ACTION
Read Ecclesiastes 8:11-13.
Mark’s uncle Jeff was scheduled to have back surgery. “The doctor says an old injury is causing the trouble,” said Dad. “Jeff was butted by a goat years ago.”
“How’d that happen?” asked Mark.
“Our grandpa had a mean old billy goat,” said Dad. “Grandpa warned Jeff and me not to go into the stall where the goat was, but Jeff did anyway. When he tried to get out, the goat got him.”
“Was he hurt bad?” Mark asked.
“Pretty bad, but he never told anyone because he was afraid he’d be punished,” answered Dad. “He said he fell. He was stiff for a long time and had a big bruise. Now that spot is giving him a lot of trouble. After all these years he’s paying for his disobedience. If he had admitted what happened right away, he could have gotten help and wouldn’t need an operation now.”
The next week Dad and Mark came home with a bush Mom wanted. She came out to watch Dad dig a hole. Then Mark suddenly remembered that a few months ago he had tossed a ball in the house and had broken a vase. He had buried the pieces in this very spot. In a few minutes Dad turned up some of the pieces.
Mark said, “I guess I’m just like Uncle Jeff.” Then Mark told his story and apologized.
“Mark, I would have forgiven you the day it happened if you had told me,” Mom answered. “It’s not pleasant, but it’s always best to confess what you did wrong at the time you did it.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you hiding some sins, thinking they will never be found out? Do you think you are getting away with something? God knows all about it. Confess your sins, take the consequences, and receive forgiveness.
TO MEMORIZE:
I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.
Jeremiah 17:10
CONFESS RIGHT AWAY.
From the book
