DCLM Sincere Milk 23 September 2023 — Choose The Way Of Peace
DCLM Sincere Milk 23 September 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Choose The Way Of Peace
Topic: Choose The Way Of Peace
Text: Numbers 20:18-22
18And Edom said unto him, Thou shalt not pass by me, lest I come out against thee with the sword.
19And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
20And he said, Thou shalt not go through. And Edom came out against him with much people, and with a strong hand.
21Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.
22And the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh, and came unto mount Hor.
Key Verse: “Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border: wherefore Israel turned away from him.” Numbers 20:21
Message
The major reason for crisis and warfare in families, communities, nations and the whole world today is simple; people do not overlook offences, do not forgive and do not let go, but always want to retaliate. In today’s Bible passage, the children of Israel were journeying to the promised land. They made an appeal to the people of Edom to pass through their borders since it was a shorter route. The Hebrew word “Edom” means “red”; and history relates it to the name of its founder, Esau, brother of Jacob (who later became Israel) and the elder son of Isaac.
God still blessed Esau and the Edomites became his descendants. It was strange to see the king of Edom turned down Israel’s (his brother) request with a strong warning and threat. The refusal was a clear demonstration of cruelty and unforgiving spirit. Believers should learn to forgive and forget past offences. At the same time, Israel had the option of choosing the path of war and force their way through, but they chose the way of peace, which is always the best choice.
Believers are encouraged to be at peace with everyone. Jesus is the Prince of peace and we are to follow His example in all things.
Further Reading: Matthew 5:38-45
Prayer for today: Lord, give me grace to live peacefully with everyone around me.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
