14/05/2018 - LIMITS TO THE LAND OF THE PROMISE

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From the wilderness and this Lebanon as far as the great river, the River Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your territory.  Joshua 1:4

The Israelites could not imagine or suppose that during those days, they would dominate the world, expel everyone and create one race over the face of the Earth.  The Lord was very clear as to what they could do.  Likewise, we cannot go beyond what is established by the Gospel, such as obeying the laws of the country, respecting individual rights with regards to their differences and still take the divine message to them.  Those who do God’s will never stumble.

In the Law of Moses there were various limits imposed on the people of God.  One had to do with the sabbatical year – a period of rest for the land after six years of production (Exodus 23:10,11).  Since they did not observe this commandment for 490 years, the Most High sent them in bondage to Babylon for 70 years (Leviticus 26:34,35; Jeremiah 25:8-11).  There can´t be a transgression to a commandment without a corresponding punishment, for those who break through a wall will be bitten by a serpent (Ecclesiastes 10:8). Mercy!

Joseph of Egypt recognized that Potiphar, his master, had entrusted his whole house into his hands, but had forbidden any interaction to his wife (Genesis 39:8,9).  Even when she wanted to engage in romance with Joseph, the latter fled from her presence.  This attitude of hers and his flight brought him consequentially to be jailed.  Even if somebody turns the story inside out, as Potiphar’s wife did:  if we are with God, our recognition will come sooner than we think or expect.  The Most High is true righteousness!

Samson did not obey the rules of his people, and for this reason, was romantically involved with a daughter to the philistine. This disrespectful attitude with the divine precept cost him loss of his strengths, besides having his eyes gouged. He who had been sent to liberate his people, fell into the hands of those he was supposed to defeat.  Watch out! Do not be influenced by the evil one: if you do, you will suffer greatly.  Keep watch and pray.

Gideon knew that in the face of his calling, he would be put to the test.  Even so, he did not fear.  He then destroyed the altar to Baal and cut down the trees that were at its feet. Today, the orders of the Lord are all registered in the Bible and speak of cutting down, with respect to Truth, altars in the hearts of people for the Lord to operate. The faithful never cease to fulfill their duties.  Halleluiah!

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew there were limits to faith, thus, they could never bow to the golden image erected by Nebuchadnezzar.  For this reason, they were adamant in disrespecting and disobeying that which was a sacred order to the Babylonians. These youths proved that those who bow to idols are burned and those who bow only to the Lord are never burned.  What faith do you profess?  Do you live and show it under threats?

Mary was a virgin, engaged to Joseph. When she received a message from the angel that she was to be the mother to the Savior, she feared not and accepted the mission.  She pleased the Lord and was blessed.  If Joseph had denounced her for being pregnant, before being married, and disclaimed the son, she could have been stoned to death.  However, those who walk with God fear not anything. 

In Christ, with love, 

R. R. Soares