Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face. I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother’s children; because zeal for Your house has eaten me up. (Psalm 69:7-9)
As Israel made their way toward Canaan in the concluding stages of their wilderness journey, the most direct route to the land would have crossed territory inhabited by the Edomites. This nation was a very close relative to Israel, and so, it was reasonable to expect that they would accommodate their kinsmen and allow them to pass through. However as the Bible records, the chief of Edom replied, “You shall not pass through my land, lest I come out against you with the sword” (Numbers 20:18). The descendants of Esau refused to acknowledge Israel as their kinsmen, instead treating them as strangers.
Then there is Ishmael and his descendants; though they are also closely related to the sons of Jacob, they have historically been an antagonist where Israel is concerned. In fact, according to the psalmist, these two nations — Edom and Ishmael — are chief among the foes who rise up against the people of God. As it is written, “Your enemies have consulted together with one consent and formed a confederacy against You: The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites” (Psalm 83:5-6). It is important to note that the psalmist clearly states that these people are considered to be God’s enemy, and because they oppose God, they disdain His people.
It is a fact that when a person is determined to follow God with all of their heart, they become a target for scorn and ridicule. Unfortunately, it is common that one’s greatest antagonists are not outsiders but members of your family; to them, you become the outsider. However this should not come as a surprise because Messiah said, “I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.” In other words, those who follow Him should expect to become a stranger to their brothers.
This result is not something we should desire but it is a scenario that we should be prepared for. It has long been my view that the sad part about following Yeshua is that you must be ready to part with certain relationships — sometimes, even members of your own household. If you truly have a zeal for His House, then you can expect to become an alien to those who do not share or understand that zeal. The stark reality is, if others force us to choose between Him and them, we must choose Him. But if we must part company with others, let it be their choice. As disappointing as that may be, we must remember the words of Yeshua: those do the will of the Heavenly Father are our family (Matthew 12:50).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
Recent Comments