By Hasom

Read: Numbers 33:40-35:34, Luke 5:12-28, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 11:23

The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath.
Proverbs 11:23

While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.
Luke 5:12-13

Relate:
The scripture that is focused on today, shows God’s work in people’s lives. Just as how we need to work to get a result, we must understand that our actions have consequences. These consequences may be good or bad. It all depends on what intention you had. For instance, when you are kind to your neighbors, they may help you when you need it and care for you. Yet, when you are rude to your neighbors, all that you will receive is most likely hate and a war between the people around you. What you do to others will come back to you. As this example shows us, we need to understand that God provides and gives. His word teaches us that he may not always give you what you want, but he allows you to receive blessings and hardships that build us stronger.  

This is evident as a Christian. I remember when I was younger, I wanted the most toys out of all my friends. I wanted to have the prettiest doll between my friends and the prettiest Barbie. Back then, I always wondered why my prayer did not seem to be answered. But as I grew up I understood that I did not only want more dolls but I wanted it for my selfishness. As time passed and I gave my life to God fully, I understood that the power of prayer is strong yet, God will give and provide for what is good to us and what can let us be stronger in him even if it is the hardest trials we will ever face. Thus, through this scripture, we must learn that you must be righteous and reach for God to receive. You won’t always be able to receive what you want but as the Bible says, eventually, if we seek God and ask him for help, the righteous will receive good and the wicked will receive God’s wrath.

React:
Understanding that God’s righteous people will receive his blessing after seeking God, we need to take this and apply it in our lives. It’s important that when we desire anything, we need to be humble and understanding. As the verse tells us, our desires can lead to blessings or wrath. In this way, people must rethink their desires, why they want something, and what they desire before taking action and praying about it. God would not be pleased if people prayed to him for an unhealthy and sinful desire. Thus, people must reach out to God in a righteous way and be humble regardless of what happens.

Respond:

Dear God,
Today, through your word I have learned more about what being a Christian and being righteous means. I understood that humility and righteousness is what you look for in us. You provide for us, you give us health, you give us blessings, and you have a plan for us. Lord, help the people today to reach for you and become righteous in their hearts and in their desires. Lord provide them strength from the Holy Spirit to be righteous and reach to you for what is good for not only them but also considering others.
Amen