Have you ever wondered why you were in a dangerous circumstance that you did not foresee?
There are many reasons and factors that would qualify as its cause. Yet, here is one that we could meditate on today. Could it be that someone in your circumference is the cause of it?
The book of Jonah shows us how an entire boat full of people suffered calamity because of one man that was running from God, one man disobeying God. His name was Jonah.
In Joshua, chapter 7 we see another example of how one man’s disobedience affected an entire nation. The Israelites get defeated in battle and many die because of one man’s disobedience – Achan. This man:
..took of the accursed thing, and has also stolen, and dissembled also, and he has put it even among his own stuff. (Joshua 7:11 KJV)
The Israelites were instructed by God to not take any of the plunder from the battle. However, Achan disobeyed God’s instructions and hid his behavior from the rest of the camp as well. His actions brought great defeat to the Israelites.
Be careful who is in your “boat,” your relationships, your “covenants,” etc.
Just like Jonah in the boat. The troubles the Israelites faced were because of Jonah’s disobedience. They were defeated because disobedient Achan was in their camp.
Seek the Lord’s wisdom before you make any covenants or take in your circumference anyone you are not sure of.
So ultimately we are our ‘brother’s’ keeper when it effects our own salvation and relationship with Jesus and The Father.
Thank you for your comments. You are raising a great point – how do we reconcile this message with the words “my brother’s keeper.” The Bible teaches us to love one another. The warning in this message is for us to seek Him when making any covenants or agreements with anyone. Only the Lord knows what is in people’s hearts.
Thanks that’s helpful.
Amen! We continue to march on to the beat of His voice which resonates within us. Glory to His Name!
Love this. It’s so true… “Bad company corrupts good morals” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Amen! Sometimes the Lord separates us even from family members and/or Christians that hold us back from all that God has for us to do. But praise His Holy Name that as we yield to Him He is in control.
That’s so true. You have to be careful of who you surround yourself with to make sure you don’t get pulled into the ways of the world and away from God. I like the verse: 1 Peter 5:8 KJV because it focuses on the importance of being vigilant and clear minded so you know who is good for you and who isn’t, the enemy prances around and we have to equip ourselves.
Definition of Circumference: the external boundary or surface of a figure or object. Wow! How on guard, watchful, and wise we must be to those who encircle us. I just read 1 Peter 5:8 today.
Amen! We are encouraged to:
Colossians 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; KJV