Today's readings are Deuteronomy 7.1-19 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Deut.+7.1-19 ) and Matthew 10.1-23 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+10.1-23 ).
God has chosen his people. There is no doubt about that from Scripture. We did not choose him but he chose us. And he has chosen to use his people in ways that go far beyond their understanding or ability. Indeed, salvation is of the Lord, as is all the Christian walk which follows. All our steps are ordained of God. He knew every one of them before we were born.
Today's reading is one of encouragement. God's people, walking in faith, do all sorts of marvelous things. They overcome nations which are mightier than they. They are blessed with food, children, and housing. They are protected from all harm, at least all ultimate harm. Even though they may die in battle and persecution God's people know their destiny and their Father's hand of protection upon them. They find they can accomplish whatever their Lord and Savior sends them to do, even if it includes raising the dead. They can bless people by their presence and proclaim God's curse on those who do not listen to his word. And all that God's people do they do in hope of the coming of the Son of Man.
These are amazing promises. In fact, each one of us can look at what God says his followers will do and we can all deny that we would be able to do it. But our Lord says in a very matter-of-fact way that he will bring all this to happen according to his divine choice, not according to our will. Surely we are the ones who are incapable but our Lord and Savior is able to do all things.
Let us turn to our Lord in trust today with a living hope in his promises and his ability to bring them about. What kind of struggles are we going to face today? What life stresses will come upon us? Are any of those able to separate God's people from his divine power? Not at all. We can put all our confidence in our Lord's ability and desire to accomplish his will in and through us.
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