SCRIPTURE: Numbers 20
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus teaches, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” [Luke 6:27-28].
How do we handle criticism, opposition, disagreement?
How we respond can help or hinder our testimony to Jesus.
Anger, revenge, bitterness are not healthy responses to opposition.
Moses’ response to the grumbling of Israel is anger.
On the one hand we can say it is understandable; but when in rage he yells at them and violently strikes the rock in God’s Name, he actually dishonours the God He is seeking to honour.
The same is true for us; when we respond in a worldly, angry way to criticism, opposition or disagreement, we are actually dishonouring the Lord.
In Moses and Aaron’s case, they lost his right to enter the promised land (though not His eternal acceptance with God).
What do we lose?
We can lose our credibility, or the successful reception of our testimony.
We may turn people away from the Jesus we are claiming to defend!
Compare this to how Israel responds to Edom’s refusal to let Israel pass through the land.
They do not defy or fight them, they take another route.
Even though Edom is a “brother” nation (their roots go back to Esau, Jacob’s brother), the people do not claim their right, or demand justice; instead they turn away, or turn the other cheek as it were.
We are followers of the Prince of Peace.
His way is our way, the way of undeserved grace and compassion.
Even though we may be unjustly treated, even though we may have ‘rights’, the way of Jesus is the way of humility, compassion, grace, love.
Even though anger and revenge might be the “natural” response to injustice, it is not the Jesus response.
This does not mean that we become doormats.
We may continue to state the truth, we may point out the injustice, but we will not do so with anger or a vengeful spirit.
With His help we will love our opponents, we will pray for them, we will bless them, we will do good to them.
In this way we can win them over with God’s love.
PRAYER:
Lord, this kind of humility and grace is hard. I know how anger and vengeance can stir in me. Strengthen me in Your love and grace and peace.
Once again – grumbling.
Once again the people have forgotten all what the Lord their God had done for them. Once again, self interest, self satisfaction. Moses and Aaron went to the right Source but did not follow God’s instructions. They took the grumblings personally and forgot what God had told them. Their anger got the better of them and they disobeyed the Word of the Lord.
Yesterday I was asked what God was doing in my life. In a sense I’m also at this place where Moses and Aaron were. Trust. Do I trust the Lord my God in all things?
Living in His presence, how do I meet the challenges of each day in His way? I too need to talk more with my God so that He continues to lead me and guide me so that others may see Him in me. Have thine own way Lord. Give me the patience I need to deal with the daily affairs Your way. Help me dress myself today with the fruit of the Spirit so I continue to be Your champion. Help me in my walk with You today.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.
Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.