Moses wrote that, in the camp of the Israelites, the Lord was king, which is why they were successful against two Amorite kings: Sihon of Heshbon and Og of Bashan. These rulers were famous for their victories in battle, but they could not prevail against the King of Israel, who had commanded Moses to send messages requesting permission to pass through their territory and promising to pay for the water consumed by the people and their livestock (Numbers 21). However, they preferred to wage war against Israel!  

Those days were special for the Israelites, but because they did not believe that their King was greater than any other people who rose up against them, they did not get everything they needed. Today, many people act negatively, fearing what others might say if they discover they belong to God. However, the Lord only needs them to live in the light of His promises to help them in any situation. God is our Friend!

At that time, the leaders of the people gathered to decide how to proceed. Since they were obedient to their parents, they also bowed down to God. However, when each one wanted to do as they pleased, it was difficult to see the whole nation submitting to the Lord. Today, many brothers act according to their own desires, giving little importance to the Scriptures; as a result, they are visited by troubles, and no one can deliver them!

When there is division in the church, and people in sin are “allowed” to live that way, the leaders are to blame. Another mistake against God's work is listening to deceitful people, whose mouth speaks lying words, and whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood. (Psalm 144,8). They prevent the church from growing. Jesus said that offenses are inevitable (Matthew 18:7), but woe to those who open the door for Satan to cause destruction in the house of prayer (Luke 17:1)!

During the conquest of Canaan, already under the leadership of Joshua, Israel's victory over Jericho occurred as God had spoken, but even though the Israelites had been warned of the dangers of taking spoils from that city, one of them did not heed the warnings. Then, in the next battle against Ai, the Israelites lost, 36 of them were killed, and they suffered the shame of fleeing from the enemy. Joshua prayed, and God revealed that one of them had taken the anathema! It is not good to sin!

Since no one confessed the sin, lots were cast, and Achan, the liar and wicked citizen, and his family were stoned to death. Why are there people who allow themselves to be used by the devil, knowing that the Lord is not to be mocked? The Almighty knows everything that is hidden: For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light.  (Mark 4:22). Have you sinned? Repent and confess it now (1 John 1:9).

Jesus is the King of kings and is able to uncover any crime. Furthermore, everything we do, good or bad, we do to Him, for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your poets have said, “For we are also His offspring” (Acts 17:28). Oh, glory!      

         In Christ, with love,

         R. R. Soares