Thursday, October 8, 2009

Deuteronomy 7.1-19, Matthew 10.1-23 - Lectionary for 10/8/09

Today's readings are Deuteronomy 7.1-19 and Matthew 10.1-23.

God has chosen his people.  They are to be his holy people.  Yet counter to some modern non-Christian religions, he does not give believers the command to destroy infidels.  Here in Deuteronomy 7 is an example of a command which God gave but which expired.  In Christ we are to bring the Gospel to all nations, including the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Amorites, and all the other Ites we can find.  Yet we do not make covenants with unbelievers.  We do not marry with them or give our children in marriage to them.  We do not turn away from the Gospel of Christ for any reason whatsoever.  We are a people called to be holy to the Lord.  When we are called to account, we speak the Word of God in the power of the Spirit and we trust that our Lord will work though us with His Word.  

This Christian life is quite different from all those other religions which are set on world domination.  They convert through the sword and by constraining behavior.  Christ converts through the Spirit and he changes behavior through repentance and forgiveness.  It couldn't be more different!


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