THE SEPARATION FOR INCLUSION (4)

“...I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.” — Romans 9:2–3

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is light. It exposes what darkness conceals and calls us into a new way of living (John 8:12; Ephesians 5:8–9). Scripture teaches that the mind governed by the flesh cannot submit to God’s ways, while the Spirit produces a life that pleases Him (Romans 8:5–8; Galatians 5:16–24).

Therefore, when retaliation, revenge and unforgiveness govern our responses, we must examine ourselves honestly. We should not merely blame circumstances or the people who provoked us. The flesh must be crucified, not pampered (Galatians 5:24).

Joseph’s brothers provide a striking example. After Jacob died, they feared that Joseph might repay them for their former wickedness and sent a message asking for forgiveness (Genesis 50:15–17). But Joseph had already chosen forgiveness. He wept, reassured them and refused to repay evil for evil (Genesis 50:19–21). His response demonstrates the transforming power of forgiveness: “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

Yet forgiveness does not mean that the struggle is always effortless. We must continually submit our hearts to God, because old responses can still seek expression. The answer is not to justify the flesh but to bring it under the rule of the Spirit (Romans 12:17–21; Colossians 3:12–13).

MOSES: A LEADER WHO LEARNED TO INTERCEDE

Moses’ life gives us another sobering lesson.

When Moses saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he intervened and killed the Egyptian (Exodus 2:11–12). Scripture does not describe this act as righteous revenge. Whatever motivated him, the result was violence, and Moses eventually fled Egypt.

Years later, however, we see a remarkable development in the character of Moses. The man who once acted violently became a man who repeatedly stood between a rebellious people and divine judgment.

At the Golden Calf

When Israel worshipped the golden calf, God declared His intention to judge them (Exodus 32:7–10). Moses interceded, appealing to:

- God’s reputation among the nations — Exodus 32:11–12.

- God’s covenant promises — Exodus 32:13.

- God’s mercy and faithfulness — Exodus 32:14.

Then came one of the most moving statements in Moses’ ministry:

“Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin—; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.”

— Exodus 32:32

Moses was identifying himself deeply with the people he had been called to lead. He did not seize their failure as an opportunity for personal vindication. Even when God offered to make a great nation from him (Exodus 32:10), Moses continued to plead for Israel.

This is the heart of intercession: we stand before God on behalf of people, even when those people have hurt, disappointed or opposed us.

At Kadesh-Barnea

Again, when Israel refused to enter Canaan, God announced judgment (Numbers 14:11–12). Again, Moses interceded.

He appealed to:

- God’s reputation among the nations (Numbers 14:13–16).

- God’s revealed character—“The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy” (Numbers 14:17–18).

- God’s covenant mercy (Numbers 14:19).

And the Lord answered:

“I have pardoned, according to thy word.”— Numbers 14:20

Moses understood that his intercession must agree with God’s character and revealed will.

BUT MOSES ALSO NEEDED GRACE

This makes Moses’ later failure at Meribah even more sobering.

After enduring repeated complaints from Israel, Moses became deeply provoked. Instead of following God’s instruction, he struck the rock and spoke rashly (Numbers 20:7–12). Psalm 106:32–33 connects the incident with Israel’s provocation:

“They angered him at the waters of Meribah, and it went ill with Moses on their account; because they rebelled against his spirit, and he spoke rashly with his lips.”

God subsequently told Moses that he would not bring the congregation into the land (Numbers 20:12; Deuteronomy 32:48–52).

This does not mean that Moses lost his calling or that his previous ministry was meaningless. Rather, his story warns us that even a faithful servant of God must continually depend upon God’s grace and obey His word under pressure.

A person may intercede powerfully for others and still need to guard his own heart.

THE SOBERING QUESTION

How do we respond when we are provoked?

Do we allow the flesh to speak because we feel justified? Do we secretly desire the downfall of those who have hurt us? Do we use our position, influence or spiritual authority to answer personal wounds?

Scripture calls us to something higher:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

And again:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

— Ephesians 4:32

The true test of spiritual maturity is not how loudly we defend ourselves, but how faithfully we represent Christ when we are wounded, misunderstood or provoked.

A CALL TO INTENTIONAL REPENTANCE

Perhaps the greatest separation we need today is not separation from other people, but separation from the rule of the flesh within us.

Let us stop excusing anger as personality, revenge as justice, bitterness as experience, and unforgiveness as wisdom. Let us bring our wounded hearts before God.

The question is not merely, “Who hurt me?” The deeper question is, “What is my response revealing about what rules my heart?”

Christ calls us to die to self, walk by the Spirit and become instruments of His grace (Luke 9:23; Galatians 2:20; Galatians 5:22–25).

May our wounds not become weapons. May our authority not become vengeance. May our pain become an altar of surrender. And may our lives increasingly reflect the One who, when reviled, did not retaliate, but entrusted Himself to God (1 Peter 2:23).

PRAYER OF REPENTANCE AND REVIVAL

O Lord, search my heart and expose every work of the flesh within me. Forgive my anger, bitterness, retaliation and unforgiveness. Crucify in me whatever does not represent Christ. Give me the grace to forgive as I have been forgiven, to respond with gentleness when provoked, and to intercede for those who hurt me. Renew my spirit, revive my soul, and make my life a vessel of Your mercy. Let Christ, not my flesh, govern my responses. In Jesus’ name, Amen.Summary: The deepest victory is not merely escaping those who provoke us; it is refusing to let their actions determine the condition of our hearts. Joseph forgave, Moses interceded, and yet Moses himself later discovered how dangerous provocation can become when the heart stops carefully obeying God. May we therefore repent intentionally, surrender continually, and allow the Spirit to produce in us the character of Christ.

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Peter Abdul-Razaq, OLAYINKA 

A Serving Missionary — Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara

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