People: Then and Now

Today we took a look at Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:13-16. He asked the Israelites that were listening to him to be the Salt of the Earth and Light of the World. So I gave a sermon about what that meant to the people of that day and what it means to us. So here is the first part that I thought was interesting....

Q: Have you ever wondered why the Israelites were God's chosen people? Why did they get that special distinction? God told them that they were His people. He saved them and blessed them time and time again. He corrected them occasionally, but He always stepped in to rescue them. Why them and why not someone else? That doesn't seem fair.

A: They were God's chosen people so that God could work through them to bless the entire world. They weren't supposed to take all of God's blessing and keep it to themselves. God had to continue to teach them, rebuke them, save them, and then teach them again. They could never let Him work through them. They did it for a time but would always fall away again (as a nation). When they wanted a human ruler, God gave them judges. When they wanted an earthly King, God gave them an earthly king. When they quit wanting anything, God gave them prophets to plead with them to turn back to God and accept His lead, blessing, and fortune. They wouldn't do it. So finally God sent His Son to take care of the blessing Himself. Jesus came in and forgave sins and ultimately died so the whole world could be blessed.

Jesus is talking to this group of people and told them that they are the chosen people for a reason. They need to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. If only they had done that.

I think the church is a lot like the Israelites. We are God's chosen people. We are saved by His grace. Do we use that to let God bless the world? Or do we keep it to ourselves and slow His Kingdom on earth?

Are we part of the problem or the solution?

Comments

Mindy said…
I can't wait to hear your message on this. I miss you and love you.

Mindy
August 16, 2009 at 5:24 PM
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