Dealing With Unlovely People (As First Step) In Turning an Ungodly Nation
Scripture: Leviticus 16:14-22
The next activity, after activating the mercy of God, was atoning for the sin. The Aaronic
priesthood dealt with sin, and they made the atonement. We need to realize that Jesus has
bought and paid for the full atoning work of God. Our issue then becomes one of obedience
in walking out the pattern. We need to ask ourselves, “Can we energize the mercy of God for
a nation if we have not proved ourselves faithful to energize the mercy of God for each
other?” The formation here and path God led the priests in is an issue for us in walking out
the priestly demand for manifesting an anointing that turns a country. How can we ever
energize mercy for a nation until we prove faithful energizing the mercy for each other? God
has provided the preparation in our local churches where we are forced to deal with unlovely
people. Will we break ranks and forfeit the prize – -or- will we stay, deal with our offenses,
energize the mercy and walk out the pattern?
Prayer
Lord, give me a heart of mercy. To pray for a heart of mercy amid conflict can be
excruciatingly difficult, especially if you’ve been deeply sinned against. It feels a little
bit like dying. It may require us to persevere in prayer for those who have wronged us,
and “pray until we’ve prayed,” It will require a heart full of Christ’s own kindness,
tender-heartedness, and forgiveness for us,
Lord, help me not to take this criticism personally. It’s the most natural thing in
the world to take criticism personally. It’s as instinctive as flinching when a punch
comes. But a defensive, self-referential spirit not only hinders ministry,
We cannot minister to others, an essentially self-emptying act when we are occupied
with defending our own reputation or ego.
Lord, give me hope for this person’s renewal. When we are in conflict with others,
their flaws tend to loom large in our hearts and minds.
Declare every demonic power that is invoked by the name of this month
rendered powerless and impotent over your life because you have dedicated
this month and its significance to God who created the heavens and appointed
them to rule over the times and seasons. Pray this for kingdom citizens in your
territory.