16 August 2013 - family ties

16 August 2013 - family ties

We need to be able to make the connection between Salvation History- that is, the history of the people of God- and our own personal history.  As Joshua gives the people a refresher course, note the transition from "they" to "you" for the people about whom he speaks.

Afterward I led you out of Egypt, and when you reached the sea,
the Egyptians pursued your fathers to the Red Sea
with chariots and horsemen.

At one point he moves back and forth between "they" and "you" in order to make the connection for that generation.  They, like us, hear stories of the past initially as stories to which they have no connection.  And yet, the freedom and blessing that they enjoy is predicated on that history.  Much of it comes by way of inheritance rather than based on anything they themselves do to earn it.

“I gave you a land that you had not tilled
and cities that you had not built, to dwell in;
you have eaten of vineyards and olive groves
which you did not plant.”

Realizing this we can't help but be thankful.  We realize that all we have is a gift.  We realize that our existence and place in history is very intentional even if it doesn't seem thus during particular battles we face.  We come to hope that just as he delivers his people throughout history he will deliver us and lead us ultimately to the Promised Land.

There is a profound consistency in how God deals with his people.  We tend to segment off the generations mentioned in scripture as unique cases.  But they are our forefathers in faith (cf. Gal 3:7).  We can't understand ourselves apart from their story.  We contrast our struggles with their triumphs, not realizing that they first face the same struggles and need the same deliverance from God.

This consistency is why we see Jesus calling Israel to a standard of living that will actually allow them to thrive.

but from the beginning it was not so.

He calls them to a way of life that is his intention from the beginning.  Rather than fleeing from the battle of a difficult relationship he wants his people to rely on him for deliverance.  If past generations have not done so it does not mean that he does not will this victory for all mankind.

Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.”

When we face such challenges in our daily lives let us remember that God is leading us.  He has a plan for us.  It is consistent with his character, which is love itself.  Just as it has throughout salvation history this too will show forth his eternal goodness and mercy.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his mercy endures forever;
Give thanks to the LORD of lords,
for his mercy endures forever.

May this inspire us to answer fully God's call, knowing that nothing is impossible for those who love him.

some, because they have renounced marriage
for the sake of the Kingdom of heaven.