A HOLY PEOPLE

Today’s Reading: Exodus 22

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

I took this photo as the sun was setting. We are looking east from Israel across the Jordan Rift Valley at the mountains of Moab in Jordan. If we could time travel to approximately 3,500 years ago, we would find the Israelites on the other side of these mountains either camping or on the move.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

Key Verse: Exodus 22:31a

You are to be My holy people. (New International Version)

Here, in chapter 22, are practical rules for the purpose of maintaining a well-run, harmonious society. For example, in verse three is the phrase “he shall be sold.” This was not slavery as in 150 years ago, but a method of repayment by labour in lieu of wages, perhaps for five years, where the families would be cared for. In studying judicial history, it is interesting to note the wide acceptance of God’s civil laws. Many, if not most, of our laws are based on these laws. The ultimate purpose of these laws was that the people would be a “holy people.” Please take the time to look up and meditate on 1 Peter 2:9-10. This is a definition of “Holy.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You are Holy. I sing the old hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” unto You. Please work in me Your sanctifying power so that I will be able to live a holy life. I pray this through Jesus Christ Who always, at all times and places, lived a life of holiness. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a child living in Ottawa, Canada, I was impressed every Sunday by the scroll painted on the wall just behind the minister as he preached God’s Word. It said, “Holiness unto the Lord.” I learned the word “restitution” (Exodus 22:5) early in life. I may have been 6 or 7 years old. I came home from a nearby sand pit with a spoon. Mother said, “David, that spoon does not belong to you. You must go around to the neighbours and find the owner, returning it with an apology to the owner.” With a sense of shame I did that. Mother would not tolerate anything even close to stealing. It happened again when I was 9. Tempted by other boys, I stole an apple from in front of Kincaid’s grocery store. I ate it, but I could never fool Mother. She finally got a confession out of me, and I was required to take 5 cents of my own money and give it to Mr. Kincaid with an apology. So that’s the story of my life of crime. I most certainly got the message of living a holy life!!!

Yours for holy living,

David