Today, my attention was drawn to vs 26 and 27. "From the Desert of Kedemoth I sent messengers to Sihon king of Heshbon offering peace and saying, 'Let us pass through your country. We will stay on the main road; we will not turn aside to the right or to the left."
Like Moses, I live in a pluralistic society with neighbors who do not share my faith or culture, and I am called to offer peace. I must respect their customs and their values when I'm in their homes and areas where they rightfully claim authority. However, I must also be assertive about defending the rights and tending to the needs of people who look to me for leadership. I must be willing to submit and show meekness, and also willing to confront and show courage, as God leads. There are days when my pride keeps me from meekness, and days when laziness keeps me from assertiveness. But I find even talking about my regrets with God in prayer helps me to be more in step with the Spirit in the next situation.
Today's a rainy day, but I'm looking forward to a fruitful harvest in seasons to come.
