But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out

"Better Than Fingerprints"

Benjamin Alexander Shaw should find a better way to pick up a few bucks. The 25-year-old from Merrit Island, Florida was recently arrested after robbing a convenience store in Cape Canaveral. To his credit, he didn't use a gun in committing the robbery, but he told the clerk that he would go home and get one if he didn't give him money. He walked out of the store with $40.

Police often dust a crime scene for fingerprints. In this case there was no need. Yes, there was the expected security camera which had captured sketchy images of the perpetrator. But there was something even better to help with this case. When police arrived, the store clerk handed them a wallet with Shaw's name and address clearly revealed on an ID card. It wasn't long before the thief was in custody.

It's not easy to get away with a crime (I'm told). In addition to security cameras, fingerprints, and possible eye witnesses, there now is the formidable tool of DNA. In all of these ways police can make a positive identification when searching for lawbreakers. People still sometimes get away with offenses, but making a living through crime isn't as easy as it once was. Especially when you leave your wallet at the scene.

I'm reminded of an incident in the Old Testament. Some of the people of Israel wanted to stop short of the Promised Land and make the land bordering that region their home instead. They vowed, however, to go into Canaan to help their brethren conquer the enemy and take possession of the land.

Moses accepted their offer, but gave a stern warning: "But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the Lord; and be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). There's a statement we need to highlight in our Bibles: "Be sure your sin will find you out."

The world's first lawbreakers tried without success to hide from God. After Adam and Eve ate fruit from the forbidden tree, they hid themselves when they heard God approaching (Genesis 3:8). But it was no use; God easily found them.

Can we do better in concealing our crimes against the Lord of all? Reflect on this declaration, found in Hebrews 4:13: "And there is no creature hidden from [God's] sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."

Adam and Eve sewed together fig leaves in their attempt to cover their nakedness (Genesis 3:7). Sad, but it was the best they could do. Likewise, our attempts to conceal transgressions from God will be pitiful. We needn't even try. Instead, we should turn to God for the "covering" He can provide (see Genesis 3:21; Psalm 32:5).

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss these ideas further.