"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord" - Romans 12:19 (NIV).
After the American civil war (1861-5), had come to the end, President Abraham Lincoln gave memorable remarks. War tends to bring out the worst in human beings. And there was a lot of bitterness by the victorious armies from the North who wished to exact revenge on the defeated rebellious Southern states. But Linclon lifted himself above all that and urged his country men, "With malice towards none; with charity for all!"
Malice is a force that can be used against a former foe for purposes of leveling him. There are cases where one who once felt slighted has finally the power to get even and proceeds without hesitation. One of the most revealing accounts in the Bible was when Joseph as Prime minister of Egypt met his brothers who had once attempted to murder him, later selling him into slavery (Genesis 37:18-36). He had the power then to get even, by perhaps obliterating them.
Instead Joseph used his position to lift his old nemesis up, and usher them into the presence of the King (Genesis 47:1-12). Have you ever wondered who was more victorious! Of course you know, the brothers were now to carry that burden of having once sought to kill their brother out of spite to their grave. But for Joseph he was free from all that.
In all personal relationships there comes such moments of being done harshly. But may we not give in to the flesh and it's urge to revenge, but leave matters in the hands of the Lord and He will redeem us!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, free me of any bitterness that I may live a truly victorious life in Christ, in Jesus's name, I pray.
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04/05/2024 - 05/05/2024 All day“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your good is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 NKJV)
Self doubt is common to any life. Sometimes it can be a result of a challenge one is about to face. After Moses had passed on, Joshua knew he was succeeding a giant to lead the people of Israel to the Promised land. When someone succeeds a great leader there is bound to be comparison, a bit of which might be unfair and disheartening. As we see in this case, the mission was yet to be completed. If anyone, Joshua wouldn’t mind some encouragement.
Joshua would receive the encouragement he needed from God. He was assured that God Himself had chosen him to succeed Moses and take on the uncompleted task. God assured Joshua through His word that He would be with him. Joshua had had enough experiences to know that God’s promise was unfailing. After Moses sent out the twelve spies to explore the land the Israelis were about to invade, he and Caleb were the only two who believed that because of faith in God they could overcome the giants they saw (Numbers 13).
Today, any of us may be facing a task no less overwhelming from our experience as Joshua faced. Perhaps we have taken on a momentous office. We could be setting on a journey of undetermined length. Maybe there is a challenge that has just risen up from nowhere and we seemed all submerged.
The words God gave Joshua, his servant, should be of encouragement to us. Just as God commanded Joshua not to be afraid or dismayed, may we walk in that confidence.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today whatever task I face, I look up to you, and hold on to the words you gave Joshua, not to be afraid or dismayed, for you are with me, this I pray in Jesus’ name.
