Welcome!
Passage: Deuteronomy 2 (NIV 84)
Today: Lord, bless them!
4 Give the people these orders: ‘You are about to pass through the territory of your brothers the descendants of Esau, who live in Seir. They will be afraid of you, but be very careful. 5 Do not provoke them to war, for I will not give you any of their land, not even enough to put your foot on. I have given Esau the hill country of Seir as his own. 6 You are to pay them in silver for the food you eat and the water you drink.’” (Deuteronomy 2, NIV 84) emphasis added
When God was taking Israel through the desert, many things were accomplished through those 40 years; they traveled through or close to the land which God had given to other people like the descendants of Esau. Even though “Jacob” (Israel) could say they are “the chosen” ones, God did not allow them to “mess” with others; Jacob was the brother, but God is the father. God did not want any “sibling rivalry” or sibling take-over!
In certain homes, children who are smart try to act “father” to the siblings, but will end up with problems; God was telling Israelites to talk to God if they had problems, so that God can and will take care of anyone giving them trouble
In the spiritual world today, there is so much going on when one doesn’t like the other; certain denominations “boss” other denominations because they think they have the right to do so; But God is not in favor of such “bossing” around; what God says is like: ”just mind your business and leave others alone; they belong to me, just as you belong to me”.
During the ministry of Jesus, His disciples were about to “block” someone doing the ministry, but Jesus discouraged/stopped them from doing so
There are people in ministry who take advantage of others and “exploit” them because the other person won’t say anything; that goes from small things, all the way to destroying families, because they think people will not speak out because of fear; but God Himself will break silence and bring things to light, because He is light!
11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14 for it is light that makes everything visible. (Eph 5, NIV 84)
So, nothing comes “free” except the salvation that comes from God; for everything else, there is a “price tag” attached to it; the “penalty” follows the “pleasure”!
God has something for you, for me, and for “them”. We often pray in our heart “Lord, don’t bless them”, even as we pray “Lord, bless them”, publicly. (truth hurts!)
Good things happen to those who wait upon God!
Have a blessed day!
BG
Prayer: Father God, I often wished me (alone) getting blessed and not anybody else; but I now know that such thoughts came from your “enemy”, and not from you. Heal me from that sickness, and help me to think and act right. In Jesus’ name, Amen
A change in our attitude brings a change in our altitude!