Zechariah 5

“This is the curse that goes out over the face of the whole earth: ‘Every thief shall be expelled,’ according to this side of the scroll; and, ‘Every perjurer shall be expelled,’ according to that side of it.” (Zechariah 5:3, NKJV)

We do not often consider that sin has consequences. We are attracted to the teaching about grace, as well we should be. We are saved by grace, and we can do nothing apart from God’s grace. But the grace of God has sometimes been twisted as a license to sin. People who do this forget the law of sowing and reaping. Whatever we sow, we will also reap.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” (Galatians 6:7–8, NKJV)

From man’s first sin in Eden, the curse of death entered the world. This death is initially spiritual and separates us from God. It can also separate us from others. Eventually it leads to physical death, which is the separation of the spirit from the body.

Zechariah had a vision of a large scroll that had writing on both sides. On one side was a curse against stealing, and on the other side was a curse against swearing falsely by the name of the LORD. Both sins were violations of the Ten Commandments. The curse would enter the houses of these lawbreakers and consume the structure, and the people would be expelled from the land.

We do not like to consider that the curse will one day do its work. When this happens, there is nothing anyone can do to stop it. This is why it is so important that we each receive God’s provision for the curse. Jesus became accursed for us on the cross. He bore the curse of separation and death in our place. But we must turn from our sins and believe in Jesus Christ to receive the cure. Then we must consider our ways. Are we sowing to please the flesh or the Spirit? Our choices today will determine our reward tomorrow—whether it is a blessing or a curse.