“And Israel smote him with the edge of the sword, and possessed his land from Arnon unto Jabbok, even unto the children of Ammon: for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.” (Nu 21:24 AV)
You better be careful when you give God’s people problems. Especially when you prohibit them from going on the king’s highway. Israel, on their way to the Canaan, desired to travel the king’s highway. The king’s highway was a public use way by which all could traverse from one place to another. The King’s Highway was built by some victors like Egypt’s Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, and Rome. They were built as a way to bring invading armies here and there. They remained public lest one nation could use it to their advantage to the detriment of others. So, for Israel to request passage on the King’s Highway was not out of the ordinary. Sihon, king of the Amorites refused passage. There was no reason for their request to be denied. Israel was not a threat. Israel would have benefited the Amorites. Out of spite, they refused Israel's passage. Then we read the passage above. If the enemies of God restrict the liberty of the people of God to pursue God, then there is a price to pay. You cannot shut down the king’s highway without paying a stiff price.
I read this and I chuckled. I know the church cannot expect the protection of God as Israel did. At least the way in which the LORD works that out. We are called to persecution. Israel was not. The reason Israel was persecuted was they did not follow the LORD. We are persecuted when we do. So, I know I cannot expect the same as Israel experienced. But what the N.T. saint can expect is the very active hand of God as we seek to serve Him. Sometimes, this does work out in immediate intervention. As a preacher, I have seen them many times. When I have someone who does not grant me the liberty to serve God as He has called me to do, I often see the hand of God do some very dramatic things. I have seen unfortunate circumstances come in the lives of those who wish it do harm to the work of God. It isn’t me whom God is protecting. God is concerned about His plan. Israel getting to Canaan was His plan. When the church has a plan, and some are frustrating that plan, God takes it very seriously. I am not speaking of an occasional difference of opinion. Rather, when those who would be contrary to the work of God no matter the plan, the LORD has a very real opinion of it.
We may have to wait until eternity before we see justice on some, but God will not neglect His hand of justice. It is coming. We may become frustrated that we cannot traverse the King's Highway, but that isn’t going to stop God. If that is the way the LORD would have us to go, He will open it and provide the way. Man gets a really big head sometimes. Mankind thinks they can manipulate and control the plan of God. They see minor and inconsequential victories as an indication they are winning. They force a Christian baker out of business or shut down a Christian school and they think they have won a victory of epoch proportions. They can fine a Christian school millions of dollars or jail a preacher for preaching the truth and somehow they think they control the universe. Keep it up! Jesus is coming back. What God wants is what God will get. The world is so full of itself. It is so arrogant. They thumb their nose at God and believe with a few votes, a summary judgment, or a fist full of arms they control to plan of God. How utterly foolish. In the sight of God, they are nothing more than an annoying gnat. The really sad thing is the God-haters have no idea our precipitous their situation is. It is the grace of God alone that keeps air in their lungs. There isn’t anything requiring God to show mercy. He extends to them the free gift of salvation. Despite their hatred for Him, He still loves them and wishes for their salvation. But block the king’s highway – NOT.
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