Falaite Ma’asi 24, 2023
The Great Sin
KO E FU‘U ANGAHALA
EXODUS 20:14
"YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY."
‘EKISOTO 20:14
‘Oua na‘a ke tono ‘unoho.
When God warned Abimelech not to have sex with Sarah, the king complained that Abraham's lies had almost brought on him and his kingdom "a great sin" (Gen. 20:9). In calling this "a great sin," Abimelech was echoing the name given to adultery in many ancient law codes. In the OT, to na'af is not merely to have illicit sexual intercourse, but to engage in intercourse with someone who is not your spouse.
Many references to na’af, however, are not about sex but idolatry. In fact, the four other occurrences of "a great sin" refer to Aaron's golden calf (Exod. 32:21, 30-31) and Jeroboam's idolatrous calves (2 Kings 17:21). This accords with the graphic oft-repeated image of Israel "whoring after other gods." This commandment, therefore, and the first commandment, are two sides of the same coin: worship only the Lord and have sex only with your spouse.
How fitting, therefore, that when Paul depicts the church's connection with the Messiah, he says that the church is Christ's bride. The twofold "great sin"-idolatry and adultery-having been atoned for by Jesus, we both wed and worship our heavenly Groom. "He remains faithful-for he cannot deny himself" (2 Tim. 2:13). Our great sin is no match for his greater redemption.
Our faithful and forgiving
Lord, cleanse us of every defilement by sin, that we may lead holy and faithful
lives in service to you and others.
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