Carry your candle, run to the darkness

So this book, "The Drama of Scripture" is so fabulous. I have never read such a thought provoking and interesting book on the Old Testament. It is amazing to look at the big picture - what God was doing through Israel - and then recognize all of the amazing ways that we are connected to that same story.

One theme that has been continually sticking out to me is that part of Israel's covenant with God (the promises God made to Abraham) was that Israel was going to be a nation that would bless all other nations. How do you think one nation blesses another? Maybe by providing food during a famine, expertise in training soldiers, or aid in fighting against an oppressive invader?? Not so with Israel. The nation of Israel was to be a different kind of blessing. They were to be totally different than every other nation, and in living obedient and holy lives they would draw people to the one true God.

"Israel's life under God is to testify to the living presence of God within God's people. It is to be such a full and rich human life that the nations of the earth will be drawn to it. In this way Israel will fulfill the Abrahamic covenant to bless all nations (pg. 66)."

"The Ten Commandments thus articulate the core principles that God intends
and are to shape the lives of his people so that their lives will reflect his character. Only as the Israelites obey God fully will they truly be a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Only as God's law shapes their whole lives will they fulfill their calling and be a blessing to the nations (pg. 68)."

The crazy thing here is that 2,000+ years later, our mission is the same. Our God is the same. And the same principles that so dramatically altered the Israelites lives are to alter ours as well. When Jesus came and died on the cross it didn't change God's plan. It knocked down the barriers so that all people (not just the Jewish people) can experience the presence of God and the full and rich human life that comes when we live obediently for Him.

Not only that, but we have an opportunity to be a blessing to the nations too. Jesus says it like this:

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:13-16

Boom. There you go. Our job today is to so beautifully, boldly, and publicly live the Christ-life that those around us cannot help but admit that our God must be real. Must be good. Must be the One worth giving their life to as well.

So, rather than trying to blend in with the community around you; rather than finding ways to look just like everyone else without actually sinning, lets be comfortable and content to look totally different. God has given us a purpose here on earth. If we are to succeed in being a light to the world and in drawing people to the One true God, then we must - like the Israelites - live obedient, passionately faithful lives in plain view. . . for all to see.

And by the way, if you haven't spent any time in the Word yet today, open up to Matthew 5 and on. That part of Scripture is called the Sermon on the Mount. It is basically a long message from Jesus - and it teaches us just how dramatically different the kingdom of God looks from the rest of the world. Just how dramatically different we are supposed to look from the rest of the world.

Oh, how I love this journey we're on!! God's word is alive and active - in me, and in you.