Saturday, March 2, 2013

Deuteronomy 22-25


March 2

Deuteronomy 22-25

Our relationship with God is not about a religion. It is not just about gathering together once a week to worship God. God gave the Israelites instructions of that covered almost every aspect of their daily lives. God and the thought of God was involved in everything the Israelites did each day. God gave instructions for maintaining harmony within the community.

Once again we see God providing details of life as people who love God and love their neighbor. God does not only provide instructions for care for fellow Israelites, but also for aliens. He reminds Israel that she was an alien in Egypt. Even early in the establishment of Israel as a nation, God was instructing them to share His grace with those outside the community, who were willing to receive the gifts He had for them.

Christians, every one of us at one time were slaves. We are all born into sin. But at some point in our lives we received the gift of life and freedom from sin offered through a relationship with Jesus. Like the Israelites, we need to remember those who are still in sin, those who are not a part of the community of believers yet. We can reach out to them and provide them what they need, not necessarily material goods, in order to be able to receive God’s gift to them. Remember where you were. Remember God’s grace. Share that grace with others and you will reveal God’s love.

Life as a follower of Christ is simple in words. Love God and love your neighbor. It is a little more difficult in practicality. But with God’s grace, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can reveal Christ to a lost and broken world.

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