SUNDAY, JUNE 24
Scripture: Joshua 24:15,20

The Hebrew word for affliction in Psalm 44:2 is raw-ah. It is used in Joshua 24:15. It says, “And if it seems evil/raw-ah to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” How do we grow to the place where we can call forth the affliction of God? We have to choose His ways when it is difficult. Joseph chose His ways when it was costly and difficult, then God promoted him into the place where he made a difference. Verse 20 also has raw-ah. It says, “lf you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm/raw-ah and consume you, after He has done you good.” So we know from context that raw-ah/affliction means ‘adversity that takes your life away.’ Raw-ah is ordained for the wicked. This may be a very strong word, but it is deserved by evil-doers. Raw-ah means ‘God-originated hurt and harm.’ Releasing it on wayward politicians can save the nation!