Wanda Bam

 “He made him ride on the high places of the earth, That he might eat the increase of the fields; And he made him to suck honey out of the rock, And oil out of the flinty rock.” Deuteronomy 32:13 

 “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.” 2 Chronicles 31:5 

The World Economic Forum published an article in which it reported that the Netherlands was currently the world’s second largest food supplier. This, from a country that is roughly a third of the size of South Africa, a GDP more than twice as high as that of South Africa and with a population just short of 17 million. After reading this, a comment in response stated “We should think twice and really pray about just transferring ownership of land merely to address historical decisions, especially when food security and lives of citizens are dependent on making the correct decisions.”

These thoughts make one wonder whether the outcry that shouts for justice throughout the land has become so loud and overwhelming that we actually miss and cannot hear the gentle whisper of wisdom and truth. In the time that Jesus walked on earth, the extent of injustice, unfairness and discrimination was so rife and widespread that it could not be included within the scope of the Bible. Jesus however did not become too focussed on this, but instead remained focussed on doing the will of the Father at all costs, even eventually at the cost of His own life.

This makes one wonder about priorities. Do we always grasp the implications of our own understanding of so-called justice and injustice? The consequences of decisions that we make now will always echo in the future. It is, therefore, vital that we truly consider and pray about decisions before we make them. 

Ripples and after-effects for every clenched fist thrashed against the wall will be felt in the future. Every shout in anger will result in further anger and every bitter word will take root, poisoning the dreams of a nation and a people that have so much potential and such a calling.

We have a choice today. What should our priorities be? To be right at all costs, to make unwarranted statements and to claim freedom only for myself? To take care of myself while someone close by dies because of unwise decisions about land and citizenship in a world that is only temporary? 

Prayer:  Lord, help us to retain perspective. Grant us the wisdom to correctly govern our country so that we will never lose the fruits of our future. Please lead us Father to the land of milk and honey, which You had prepared for us before the beginning of time.  Amen