Fresh Manna 18 May
MEDITATION SCRIPTURE: “So the children of Israel served Elgon the King of Moab eighteen years,” (Judg.3 14).
READ: JUDGES 3:12-15
12 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.
13 And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.
14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.
15 But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man lefthanded: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.
The judgment and pains of the children of Israel did not begin the moment they sinned, it lingered for some years. In fact, God even sent His angel to warn and remind them of the covenant. They repented and turn again unto the LORD, but their commitment did not last because of the wrong influences around them (Judg.2:1-7).
From this chapter in the book of judges, we begin to see the children of Israel falling into captivity to various Kingdoms. Moab was one of the least of the kingdoms that God handed over to Israel. In fact, it was King of Moab, Balak that hired Balaam against the children of Israel when they were in wilderness, because he could not stand the glory they carried and operated with.
Here we see Israel being subjected by Moabites for a long period of eighteen years. God is our defense and refuge. We are so vulnerable without Him. Disobedience robs you God’s presence that scares the enemy away and it removes you from the area of His glory, where the enemy can do you no harm.
Few years ago, a woman came to my office for counseling; she wanted to divorce her husband with whom she already had two kids. When I asked to know why, she told me that the marriage was a mistake. God wanted her to marry a pastor but she disobeyed and married this business man. She had money and the good things of life but no peace. That is a longtime captivity indeed.
Disobedience may open a beautiful door, but it locks you in when the heat is on and denies you an escape route. Walking in obedience is the surest way of peace and joy.
TURNING POINT: Disobedience may open a beautiful door, but it locks you in when the heat is on and denies you an escape route.
PRAYER POINT: Father, grant me the grace to walk in obedience always.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 2KNG.12,13,14; JN.5:25-47
Thank you for studying today’s Fresh Manna (The Christian Pentecostal Mission International Daily Devotional) – Consequences of Disobedience (2) – written by REV. DR. O. EZEKIEL & REV. DR. M. EZEKIEL
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Fresh Manna 19 May 2021
