Paul said to the Churches at Rome: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, LIVE AT PEACE WITH EVERYONE. Do not take revenge, my dear friends…If your enemy is hungry, FEED HIM; if he is thirsty, GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO DRINK. In doing this, you will HEAP BURNING COALS on their head.” (Rom. 12:18-20)
Ok, so here are our instructions as new creation in Christ:
- Live at peace with everyone…
- Feed your enemies…
- Give your enemies something to drink…
- Heap burning coals on your enemies head…
This prophecy about Jesus says, “For to us a child is born, And He will be called…THE PRINCE OF PEACE.” (Isa. 9:6), So it makes sense for us to live at peace and since we are to live at peace, it makes sense for us to provide food and drink for our enemies. But what about this DUMPING HOT COALS ON THEIR HEAD? Is this our revenge? No, in ancient times heated coals would be needed for cooking and as a source of heat and light. On very cold nights it could be the difference between life and death. If you had to carry hot coals you would not carry them by hand as the heat would rush onto the hand and arm. For this reason, people carried them safely on the HEAD in a pottery urn. More to the point, a good person gives coals to their neighbor who is lacking, to carry home, be they in physical or spiritual need.
OUR LIVES MUST IMITATE CHRIST FOR THE WORLD TO SEE…
-Bill Stockham