June 23

2 Chronicles 10-12
Rehoboam did what was evil in God’s eyes, so the Lord’s wrath was poured out on Judah.  However, they humbled themselves in repentance, so God relented and they were not completely destroyed.  However, they still suffered the consequence of their sin through subjection to Shishak of Egypt.  The principle remains the same throughout history to the present day.  God always stands ready to forgive when we humble ourselves before Him.  However, the consequences resulting from our sin remain.  It is good that we repent.  In fact, it is essential!  However, if we commit murder, or steal, or commit a sexual sin, ad infinitum, we will still suffer the consequences of those particular sins, even though we repent.  Our repentance brings God’s forgiveness and deliverance from eternal damnation.  But, we will still suffer the pain brought on by the sin.