Daily Manna
Chastened, Yet Dedicated
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Key Verse
“And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh unto the king of Edom, Thus saith thy brother Israel, Thou knowest all the travail that hath befallen us” (Numbers 20:14).
TEXT — Numbers 20:14-22
Message
What is a Christian worker’s attitude after he is disciplined by the leadership for acts considered inappropriate? Does he plunge into a long season of sulking in reaction? Does he raise pockets of sympathisers to form an opposition among the congregation? Or does he break away to form his own assembly by claiming he has a call from God for a new fellowship centre?
A chastened Moses took none of those steps. Staying at his duty post, though disciplined by the Lord, this humble messenger of God still obeyed divine directives. He continued serving, even if he was not pleased with the rod applied on him. He submitted to the will of God, knowing full well that His wisdom cannot be questioned. He also knew that his final destination was heaven, which could be denied him if he displayed a haughty and rebellious disposition.
Our reaction when shown the rod of correction determines the spiritual stuff we are made of. We miss the point when we do not take advantage of the period of chastisement to pray for the reordering of our lives for a higher realm of fruitfulness in the Kingdom. We should be joyful we have a loving Father, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth…”
Leaders like Moses and Aaron who were punished for their wrongdoings did not lose their place in the church because they saw the castigation as part of a divine plot to prepare them for a new phase of service. And God continued with them as they showed a mindset that echoed what the sweet psalmist of Israel said, “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head…” (Psalm 141:5).
Thought for the day
Reproof from the Lord prepares one for higher realm of work for Him.
BIBLE
in one year
JEREMIAH 7 – 9
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