DCLM Daily Manna, Saturday April 30 2016 by Pastor Kumuyi - The Path of Peace

Topic: The Path of Peace [Saturday April 30, 2016]

Text: Joshua 11:10-23

Key Verse: "There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: all other they took in battle" (Joshua 11:19).

A onetime prime minister of England, Ramsey MacDonald, was discussing with one of his officials (an expert on foreign affairs) on the possibility of lasting peace. The official was unimpressed and considered the prime minister's idea as unrealistic. He scornfully remarked, "The desire for peace does not necessarily ensure it". To this, the prime minister responded, "Quite true. But neither does the desire for food satisfy your hunger, but at least it gets you started toward a restaurant".

The Gibeonites' toed the path of peace with Israel when their co-idolatrous Canaanites sued for war with the conquering Jews. Although they adopted deceptive strategy to achieve their aim, they had a desire for peace which resulted in their preservation. They ended up making a league with Israel and became servants to them. Other Canaanites were aware of the divine mandate of Israel and the role God played in their victories; yet, unlike Gibeon, they were obstinate and formed a confederacy to fight against Israel. They also moved against Gibeon for entering into a treaty with the Jews. But "the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel".

The world, under the influence of Satan, has ever been resistant to the will of God. Increasingly, people are picking up arms against God with so many even willfully denying His existence. The bitter fruits of this posture are already being harvested and these "warriors" know down deep in their hearts that damnation stares at them. In the unfolding judgment of God upon this world of wickedness, only those that sued for peace and embraced God's terms of reconciliation will be spared.

A contrite acceptance of God's provision - Jesus Christ - remains the only path of peace. He paid the price - "the chastisement of our peace was upon him" when He gave His life on the cross.

Thought for the day: Peace with God is the guarantee of eternal peace

Bible Reading in one Year: Joshua 19-21

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.