AFTER THE WAR

Judges 21:2-3,6

Now the people went to Bethel and sat in the presence of God until evening, weeping loudly and bitterly.

“O Lord, God of Israel,” they cried out, “why has this happened in Israel? Now one of our tribes is missing from Israel!”

The Israelites felt sorry for their brother Benjamin and said, “Today one of the tribes of Israel has been cut off.

Most times we do not reflect on our actions till we have completed it. This is actually a sign of immaturity.

We are not supposed to act on anger, pride or for selfish reasons. Remember that scriptures counsels:

James 1:20

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.

If only we think of the consequences of our actions before we act, we save ourselves and others the inevitable sorrows that accompanies our actions.

Look at anger for instance, your body wires up and feels that if you do not act immediately you are going to blow up, but it is all a rush of adrenaline, a weakness and not a strength, don't fall for it. It doesn't always end well.

On both sides there was a fault, yes the Benjamites were really the ones fully at fault but, it takes two to have a war.

What was the resulting outcome, the children of Benjamin were almost finally whipped out but the sorrow remained with the other tribes of Israel that annihilated them.

As believers we are given a different type of criteria, a different mind set, where the Spirit of God takes over our actions and we are not moved by mere emotions, we leave judgment to the Lord.

Romans 12:19-21

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, 

“I will take revenge; 

    I will pay them back,” 

    says the Lord.

Instead, 

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them. 

If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. 

In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.”

Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Jesus told His disciples when the wanted vengeance on those who rejected Him:

Luke 9:53-56

But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem.

When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?”

But Jesus turned and rebuked them.

So they went on to another village.

Romans 12:17-18

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Always remember:

Matthew 5:9

God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.

Remember we do not brocker peace with the enemy, Satan, demons and power of darkness, we resist, fight and declare our authority which we have in Christ Jesus.

Do you know that they are also the architect of some of our battles within the brethren-hood? For the tempter will keep tempting.

Also, as leaders we do not restrain our hands from punishment when deserved, however, our goal is to save the one that erred and not to destroy them. Selah.

So before you start or go to that war with your brethren, hold back, think it through, bring it to the Lord, know what is at stake, is it worth it, can you bear the loss? ARE YOU THINKING CLEARLY!

Regret can be avoided if we hold back just a little.

Psalms 133:1,3

How wonderful and pleasant it is 

when brothers live together in harmony!

Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. 

And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting.

Don't give the enemy a chance, avoid the unnecessary WAR.

Help us Good Lord.

PRAYER

Dear Loving Father, help me understand the happenings and be careful not to fall into unnecessary conflicts. Lead me Lord to be at peace with all according to Your Word. My desire Lord is to please You in all things. Help me Lord. Glory to Your name Lord forevermore.

He calls us blessed.

Love

@the watcher.