Morning Dew

Key Passage: Proverbs 25:21-22

Key Word: Proverbs 25:22 – “for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”

The Christian walk seems an impossible walk, especially if one tries without the power and help of the Holy Spirit. There are many things the bible commands us to do, that seem so at variance with how the world does behaves and reacts. A good example is found in Matthew 5:38-41, where Jesus taught His disciples

“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”

It is not easy to turn the other cheek to someone who slaps you, neither is it easy to give your cloak to the person who taken your tunic. It seems more natural to do the exact opposite of these commandments. We naturally would defend ourselves and slap back, hit back, shout back and even injure back as a way of avenging ourselves.

But the Christian is called to walk the high grounds of life; to take the paths less trodden, and walk in the opposite direction to the world at large. That is why we are called peculiar people. The Christian’s behaviour in times of crisis will reflect how much of Christ they have allowed to form in them, and quite honestly, these are the times that the world notices our witness the most. Our actions in these times, speak more eloquently than our greatest sermons.

Today’s passage tells us to do good to our enemies. “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, 22 for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.”

I never quite understood this idea of heaping burning coals on the head of our enemies. But as I contemplated, I gained an understanding. Burning coals of fire on anyone’s head must be a most painful and disturbing situation. I can’t even imagine it. But this is what happens to an enemy that one treats well. They are in constant agony over why you are being nice to them. There are tortured by their consciences and thoughts. It must the sheer agony. Just think about it.

Secondly, God would bless you for doing it. This is double pain, because you have used the life of your enemy to gain more blessings from God. They see you flourish and prosper and they agonise even more, but you are free in your heart because you are a blessing and you are being blessed by God, because of the enemy and because you chose to walk the high ground.

All I can say is God is exceedingly wise!

Let’s Pray: Dear Father in Heaven, teach me to walk the high ground and the paths less trodden by human beings. Help me to learn your ways and gain victory in all situations, by doing your will. I ask this in Jesus name. Amen.