Special People, Special Purpose
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….. “For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of.” Deuteronomy 4:32 ESV
As Moses addresses the generation that will inherit the promise land, he not only admonishes them about the importance of staying true to the Lord and not turning from following the Lord, but points our why they are a different nation and a different people with a unique purpose. He asks some rhetorical questions to drive home the point.
“For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the Lord our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? And what great nation is there, that has statutes and rules so righteous as all this law that I set before you today?” (Deuteronomy 4:7,8 ESV)
The Lord God was One who revealed Himself to His people and His ways to His people. They did not have to question what He desired, He made it clear and “put it in writing.”
Not only is the relationship special, but the creation of the nation was special.
“Did any people ever hear the voice of a god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deeds of terror, all of which the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?” (Deuteronomy 4:33,34 ESV)
This was all so that the Lord God would be seen for who He is, not just a “god” but the God. There is no other true God. All other so called “gods” are of mans creation and imagination.
“To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord is God; there is no other besides him.” (Deuteronomy 4:35 ESV) The Lord’s intention is for His people to be a special people for generations to come. That would be as a result of their obedience and faithfulness to the Lord.
“Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today,that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” (Deuteronomy 4:40 ESV)
As the Lord through Christ calls to Himself the “people of God” we see a similar relationship. Christ followers today, are those who are to see themselves as those with a special destiny and purpose because of all that Christ has done. Just as the Lord God acted in a sovereign way to create “His people” – so the Lord has acted in a sovereign way through Christ to bring to life and relationship all those who place their faith in Christ. We not special, but made “special” by Christ. We are given relationship and a purpose that we are to honor and fulfill.
Peter wrote to Christ-followers these words, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV)
Prayer for today…. Lord allow us to remember the favor we have because of our faith in Christ. Enable us to be those who recognize our “calling” and our divine “purpose.” May we be those who with all humility and gratitude for what You have done live to bring glory and honor to Your name.