09/05/2019 - ISRAEL´S CAUTION NOT TO ERR

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Then Israel defeated him with the edge of the sword, and took possession of his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, as far as the people of Ammon; for the border of the people of Ammon was fortified. Numbers 21:24

Sihon sealed his lot by denying aid to Israel. Then, when he gathered strength to attack the Lord’s people, he reached the height of wickedness, trying to mistreat those whom God blessed. Therefore, he was abandoned by divine mercy and received the just reward for his act. Whoever surpasses the orders of Heaven does not fear God, who is pure in His determinations.

Helping others, even if they become enemies tomorrow, is everyone’s duty. In doing good, without expecting any reward, we put into action one of the most important laws of the Lord: that of sowing. Therefore, never deny aid to those who need it, even if that person is involved in wrong practices. The Most High is the righteous Judge who gives blessings to those who do good.

Never turn your back on the person who seeks you, for they were directed by the Lord to do so. Also, if you were in their place, you would also like to be taken care of. In the case of Israel, Sihon had the assurance of Moses that he would not suffer any loss, but, leaving aside the law of sowing, he preferred to do wrong and evil. If Israel wanted to harm him, they would not have used a device that would oblige Sihon to return the favor.

Once Sihon chose war, peace escaped his hands, and God blamed him for all that Israel did to defend themselves against such cowardice. Because of this, the Amorites were killed by the sword, and all their land became possession of the sons of Jacob. At that moment an agreement might have been made for the Israelites to preserve the nation, if he would allow their passage, but , since his decision was otherwise, his people “paid the high price”.

Beware of your actions! Do not rob the poor, for the Lord will avenge them (Proverbs 22: 22-23); do not lower the wages of your servants, for the Most High will see this and condemn your attitude; help the needy, and you will be helped by the Almighty. He is the Creator and has a plan for each and every one of us. Nothing will stop Him from acting in our favor.  Your actions are being observed by Him!

All of Sihon´s kingdom was smitten by the edge of the sword, and his land was taken away. By despising the opportunity to save himself, the king and his people were punished for the evil they tried to inflict onto to the Israelites. God sees everything, and when the devil asks permission to reward those who obeyed him, the Lord cannot deny, for you become the servant of the one whom you obey (Romans 6:16). It is better to serve God, for He is love.

While struggling to save their lives, the sons of Jacob remembered that God had forbidden them to oppress Moab and Ammon. So when they came to the land of Ammon, they did not take a step towards entering that land. Israel was careful not to err!!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares