Abominable

Many of you are probably familiar with the Christmas TV special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” This stop-motion animated classic has one memorable character nicknamed “Bumble”, an Abominable Snowman that initially terrorizes the frozen north. But in the end, the monster is tamed and seen putting the star on top of a Christmas tree. This story illustrates a spiritual truth; even the worst sinners can still be redeemed.

Oxford American dictionary defines abominable as “causing moral revulsion.” The Bible lists specific things that are “abominations.” Here are a few of them…

“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” - Leviticus 18:22

“These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren.” - Proverbs 6:16-19

“Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, but a just weight is His delight.” - Proverbs 11:1

“Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD; though they join forces, none will go unpunished.” - Proverbs 16:5

“He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the LORD.” - Proverbs 17:15

“One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.” - Proverbs 28:9

“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” - Mark 13:14

“And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” - Luke 16:15

“They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.” - Titus 1:16

“For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries.” - 1 Peter 4:3

“But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” - Revelation 21:27

The Greek word translated abominable is athemitos which means “contrary to law and justice, prohibited by law, illicit, criminal.” Have you been doing something that the Lord calls abominable? If so, don’t mess around anymore. Repent!

“If you will return, O Israel,” says the LORD, “Return to Me; and if you will put away your abominations out of My sight, then you shall not be moved." - Jeremiah 4:1