The Angel In The Sky. Part [17] 06/28/2025 (Morning thought)

Matthew 27:24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a tumult was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, I am innocent of the blood of this just person: see you to it. 25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

Not everyone at Calvary spat on Jesus or pierced His hands and feet, and not all who were present beat Him with many stripes. But the mere fact that many showed up in support of the priests, caused them to be part and parcel of the whole scheme, and they were accomplices in the abuse meted out to Christ. Therefore, collateral damage results in many cases, to persons who may not have been directly involved with the decision making.

Jesus suffered collateral damage as a result of Adam’s sin, and throughout the history of the world, nations as well as persons have had to confront the same reality. Billions of animals perished in the flood, and yet it is a fact that they never did anything wrong. And there are many children who have died in Gaza, who were never directly involved in October 7. And yes, many who died on 9/11 had nothing to do with terrorism.

This leads us to our third lesson: [3] Whenever bad decisions have been made, and a reversal of fortune is desired, there must be a deep soul searching, accepting of responsibility, and true repentance including turning away from the choices that were made…. 1st Chronicles 21:16 And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his and stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces.

1st Chronicles 21:17 And David said unto God, is not it I who have commanded the people to be numbered? even I it is that have sinned and done evil indeed; but as for these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, O Lord my God, be on me, and on my father's house; but not on thy people, that they should be plagued.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

The Angel In The Sky. Part [16] 06/28/2025 (Evening thought)

Romans 5:13  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.

Some individuals struggle with the issue of collateral damage, for it seems to their minds that only those who were directly responsible should suffer for their choices or decisions. Therefore, there is something that we must be reconciled to, that the very nature of sin is to cause collateral damage. Sometimes collateral damage occurs with the aiders and abettors, but sometimes it could also happen to persons who may have had nothing to do with the decisions made by others.

This is just a fact of life in our fallen world, that we will have to be reconciled to, tough as it may be. Joshua and Caleb were faithful, as they stood firm for the right when the other spies buckled and fell, but Joshua and Caleb had to wander in the deserts for forty years, the same as those who were guilty of rebellion. One of the reasons God strongly cautions us not to sin is because sin has a ripple effect on others, some more, some less.

These ripple effects often reach to the third and fourth generation, if indulged by those who come after in the line of succession. Although many persons in David’s day did not like the idea of taking the census, yet some of them had cherished the same pride which often tends to steal God’s glory. Thus, by partaking of the same spirit as did David, they became guilty by association.

Exodus 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!