JUNE 4, 2023 – OBSERVE

READ: Is. 49:1-6

Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me…Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples … For what great nation is there that has God so near to it, as the Lord our God is to us, for whatever reason we may call upon Him?… – Deut. 4:5-8

It is important to use the Bible! We are to read it, to listen to it, to try to understand it, and to discuss it with others. How else can we know God and Christ and live in God’s covenant? Israel had the undeserved privilege of being God’s covenant people. God showed them His great acts of redemption and gave them wonderful promises. 

He made a covenant with them, that He would bring them to a beautiful land where they could live with God in peace and rest, but they needed to be obedient to Him. For this purpose, they were given statutes and ordinances, to have a close covenant community with God. This would be for their salvation and also make them unique among the nations.

God also wants the Gentile nations to be curious about and jealous of His people. Ultimately, God wants all nations to honor and serve Him. Many of the Psalms sing about this, such as Psalm 67. Israel must show other nations how rich and good life with the LORD is. How much wisdom and insight they have in their love for God. They would be a shining light (Matt. 5:13-16). This can only happen if they observe and obey God’s laws, not just listening to them but also living according to them. If they were to forget God’s law, they would become a bad example, dishonoring God, and He would come with His punishment.

Israel received this command before the Word was written down and before the Holy Spirit was poured out. We have the Bible, the entire Bible, and we can call upon the help of the Spirit. Let us feel addressed by this!

Do we have an eye for unbelievers in our faith life?

Singing: Ps. 67:1