30 “If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes,
31 if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands,
32 I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; Psalm 89:30-32

Speaking about David now, the psalm writer states a truth that is common throughout the Old Testament: if someone violates Scripture, he or she will be punished. The difference, though, is that the writer is specifically referring to David’s sons. By long extension, we are also David’s sons (and daughters). While the sin and punishment is only half of the story (tomorrow we’ll discuss the second half), it’s a significant part.

The laws and statutes were written for solid reasons. In His unlimited wisdom, God knew the ways of men. He gave people multiple chances to get it right. He knew they had a tendency to skirt the law and to get away with doing as little as possible.

Not much has changed over the years. Men are still men. Women are still women. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory. This time, though, He doesn’t punish us with the rod and flogging. That was already taken care of and dealt with on the day of Jesus crucifixion.

For us…and for His glory.