More On Transgression

Transgressions are never committed by one’s known enemies.

Let’s discuss this a bit more. To transgress, is to move aside from or move away from one’s pledged position. It is to turn against one’s sworn word, will and way. Very simply put, yet most edifying and explicit, is this truth. The devil does not transgress against Jesus, for he is Jesus’ sworn enemy, not His sworn friend. Satan never pledged his life to Jesus. He never gave himself to Jesus, promising to follow Jesus and be His disciple. You and I have. He has always shown himself as Jesus’ enemy so that Jesus would never place any confidence, faith or trust in any word, thought or action of Satan, towards Him or His people. I say no more!

Lexicographers have explained to us a bit of the origin and history of the word, transgress. We are told that, “trans” – is a prefix, meaning across, beyond or on the other side of. We are also informed that, “gress”, comes from Latin, which carries the meaning of step or move. Does this not confirm our given explanation and understanding of transgression or someone who transgresses?

Let me introduce you to our scheduled Scripture text, as we are solemnly and sternly schooled, using it as a reference and example on the sin of transgression. The words of our text are part of the response of Mephibosheth to the king, who has asked him, “Why didn’t you go with me Mephibosheth?”

We listen attentively – with mission, purpose, dedication and decision – as we seek the Holy Spirit’s active, fruit-bearing listening.

My lord the king, since I, your servant am lame, I said, I will have my donkey saddled and will ride on it, so I can go with the king. But Ziba my servant betrayed me. And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king. My lord the king is like an angel of God; so do whatever you please. 2 Samuel 19: 26 – 27

The darts of transgression are vividly exposed in these two verses and they shall be identified to us, not just in what our human eyes can easily see and pick up, but what our informed, spiritual eyes reveal to us. With the working of the Holy Spirit, our spiritual eyes will be enabled to see, acknowledge and immediately turn and seek forgiveness from our Heavenly Father. First, however, we need to understand why the word, dart, has been specifically chosen for us in this discourse.

Dart for us, in our present learning, takes the understanding of dart in three positions.

Dart takes the noun position, as a noun. It is a missile, with a sharp pointy edge that is used for good and evil. For example, the dart is used by caring, concerned persons on wild animals especially, to sedate them in order to be able to heal and cure them. This meaning can be either to noble or ignoble ends.

Dart takes the verb position, when darts are deliberately aimed at another. In other words, you may have darts in your hands at your disposal, but you never dart anyone. They are not put to any use, whether good or evil. For example, for whatever reason, you observe someone being attacked by an enemy and you have the perfect weapon in your hand to dart the perpetrator. Instead, you do not use your darts either to do anything, hoping that it will all be rectified without your intervention. Such an action is to saving or damning ends.

Dart takes the adjective position, where one’s movements have become so changed, so erratic, one is described as extremely dart-like, in name and nature. For example, you notice how Miss Tee is suddenly darting here and there in her speech, making no sense whatsoever, and having you unable to catch up with her, follow her and keep track of what she is saying. Here also, such behaviour is to good or evil ends.

Having set out the direction of our minds, we put the Darts of Transgression together and listen to how these come in our text. We pray earnestly that every single one of us will receive the working of the Holy Ghost, as He alone gives us the ability to discern all truth in, and through Him.

Holy Spirit, remove all our misguided, misinformed, deceived ideas about our transgressions. Show us, even now, the folly of our thinking. Rescue us from all self-righteousness and pride and save us for the sake of Jesus, our Saviour and Lord. May we truly acknowledge our grave errors, admit them without blame and in deep shame, come with true, repentant hearts to Your mercy seat and find the grace of forgiveness. Amen!

We carry on tomorrow.