ESOCS Devotional 21 November 2022
TEXT: NUMBERS 20:1-13
MEMORY VERSE: “And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” Numbers 20:10
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
At the waters of Meribah, Moses was not “careful to maintain good works” (Titus 3:8) with his mouth. The Scripture says, “… that he spoke rashly with his lips” (Ps. 106:33). God told him to speak to the rock (Num. 20:8) or strike the rock (Ex. 17:6) and bring out water for the congregation to drink (Num. 1:8). But he got there and did something else: he called them rebels, queried them, and struck the rock twice (Num. 20:10); and he did so in anger too! Consequently, he got into trouble with God because he offended Him. God’s reaction was: “Because you did not believe me, to hallow me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”(Num. 20:12).” The Scripture says, “You are snared with the words of your lips, you are caught by the speech of your mouth” (Prov. 6:2 AMP).
A true Christian should learn to practise verbal decency; and never utter anything in the heat of anger. He should avoid outbursts of anger. Colossians 4:6 says, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” A Christian is simply a follower of Jesus Christ; one who imitates Christ and does everything the way He would do it, including His manner of speech. In Matthew 11:29 He says, “… learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” A Christian should constantly have the word ‘integrity’ at the back of his mind before he says or does anything. Our manner of speech would tell a story about us. We should discipline ourselves to talk or say things in a dignified manner. We should not be harsh, abusive or arrogant in our speech. We should be mild, soft, and respectful in our speech. Let our speech be pleasant in the ears of God (1 Kings 3:10).
Again, it is important that we are careful about the kind of conversation we make. The things we talk about should be such that edify others who hear us. We should not say things that hurt others. We should not get involved in unnecessary arguments or engage in words or discussions that are not decent because they are not profitable. Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers”; and we should “ avoid petty controversy over words, which does no good but upsets and undermines the faith of the hearers” (2 Tim. 2:14 AMP). Watch that mouth! It could bring you ruin!
CHALLENGES
- Henceforth, be selective of the kind of words you say and the discussions you engage in.
- Scrutinize your words henceforth and ensure that you do not say things that do not edify.
PRAYERS
- Pray the Holy Spirit to build in you the attitude of discipline in the things you say or do.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 21 November 2022
