What's your initial reaction when you know discipline is about to be inflicted on people who genuinely deserve it? Are you secretly rejoicing inside to know they aren't escaping punishment? How do you feel for the one committing the crime? Do you lean towards judgement or mercy? There are definitely consequences for sin, but how does your heart immediately respond when you hear that chastening is about to be administered?
The descendants of Kohath were complaining against Moses and a spiritual showdown was ensuing. Korah and his followers were lashing out in defiance, and God, stepping in to vindicate both Moses and Aaron, was about to unleash His wrath and instantly destroy all the people.
We know too well that evil is very present in our world. It not only surrounds us but lives within us. Yet, we can become so callus to those walking in blatant disobedience around us that our hardened hearts take pleasure when they suffer.
I'll never forget a text I received during the middle of the Covid pandemic shut-down. It was a stressful, frightening, unknown time for many. With isolation restrictions ushered by government officials we were living in a time of great uncertainty. Huddled in homes with media reporting unprecedented numbers of hospitalizations, panic was rising throughout the world. As death totals continued to climb, globally people were questioning decisions being made by leaders. Opposition to those making mandates was evident. Resentment. Resistance. Refusal.
I opened my phone one day to find this message from a friend: "You might enjoy the 'prayer' for ______ (insert the name of your Province or Country leader): 'Let his days be few and let another take his office.' Psalm 109:8". I still feel the wave of heartache I experienced at that moment. I'm not saying I agreed with every decision being made by those in places of authority, but for a Christ-following friend to even share this in jest deeply hurt my heart. Where was compassion? Where was mercy? Where was prayer?
Moses and Aaron responded instantly by falling face down on the ground before the Lord. They pleaded with God not to put all the people to death in His anger. Even when they had been the target of the attack, they interceded for those who had rallied with their accusers. Without hesitation their reaction was to fall down in prayer before God and intercede for their persecutors.
Father, soften our hearts. Remove our hunger for retribution. May we find no joy seeing enemies suffer. Your Word is so very clear concerning our response to those in places of rule over us. We are not to speak against the Lord's anointed, the ones whom You have divinely chosen and are using for Your purposes even if we don't understand Your plan. Guide our first impulse to be genuine care and intermediate prayer. In humility Lord, I ask that You will remind us of Your sovereignty and may our attitudes and actions reflect You to a world that desperately needs to see, know, meet, surrender and live for You and Your glory alone. Amen.
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