27/12/2019 - THE COUSIN´S INSENSIBILITY

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Please let us pass through your country. We will not pass through fields or vineyards, nor will we drink water from wells; we will go along the King’s Highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand or to the left until we have passed through your territory." Numbers 20:17

The Israelites’ request to the Edomites shows how God’s people must behave in any situation. From Isaac and Rebekah Jacob and Esau were born, but the confusion between them began in their mother´s womb, when the strongest fought the weaker one and overcame him, and was born first. Therefore, Esau was the firstborn and thus inherited two times more than his brother. However, the loser became worthy of the name Jacob and supplanted him.

More than four centuries had passed, but the account of Jacob’s actions still remained in the hearts of Esau’s sons. Now, as the Israelites returned from Egypt, led by the Lord, they had to use Esau’s territory to reach their destination. So Moses made a humble request to the brethren, but the answer obtained, besides being negative, was arrogant and bad. The Israelites did not want to discuss the past, only ask them to let them go through.

Instead of welcoming the Israelites as brothers, Esau’s sons met them with their armed personnel. The people of Israel had ensured that they would do no harm to them, and they would respect the plantations and vineyards, but they were not attended. Why wage war if the peoples of the world are brothers? Unfortunately, the lack of sensitivity of nations excludes the needy from those who have prospered, and thus their citizens eat poorly and live precariously. Why are men like this?

Jacob’s descendants needed help that would cost Edom nothing, but they had their request denied. Moses emphasized that he would not even use the water from those lands, but, still, he was not attended. The Edomites ignored that the merciful attain mercy (Matthew 5: 7) and were not destroyed because of the fear of God in the Israelites. The callous must wake up, for they will be judged for the sin of omission.

The request emphasized that they would follow the royal road, where other peoples were allowed to pass, but they weren´t. The Lord is watchful and righteous. He had promised that He would bless those who blessed Abraham´s seed, but those who cursed it would be cursed (Genesis 12:3). Instead of welcoming their brothers, the Edomites not only turned their backs but threatened to kill them. What a hard heart they had!

God’s servants are to watch their own way, lest they turn to the right or to the left, and fulfill all justice, even if they have pressing and vital needs. The lack of love or mercy of some should not carry us out of the fear of the Lord and His Word. Observing the law is important in every respect; otherwise we will lose direction and contact with our Holy Father.

Moses and his followers understood the importance of keeping their word until they passed through the land of Esau. We must also have the same disposition, after all, because we are of God does not give us the right to do wrong to others. Always respect what is right!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares