Old Testament reading: Exodus 19-21
We might be inclined to focus all our attention on Exodus 20 and the Ten Commandments. But if we did, we would miss the gems of chapter 19, and some of the shadows of the church. In Exodus 19:5, God says, “If you will obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people.” Likewise, those who are participants in the New Covenant (gospel) are described as being God’s “own special people” (Titus 2:14). The ESV refers to these as “a people of His own special possession.” While God certainly loves all men, there is no question the church constitutes God’s special people today. Now, listen to God’s promise continued in verse 6 – “And you will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” My mind immediately went to 1 Peter 2:9 and God’s words concerning the church: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people.” I also think of Revelation 1:6 wherein Jesus is said to have made the church to be “kings and priests to His God and Father.” Finally, in verse 10 we see that men must prepare themselves before they can be present themselves to the Lord. In Matthew 22:11-13 we see a man who presented himself at the wedding without a proper garment. He was cast out into outer darkness for his lack of preparation.
New Testament reading: Luke 8-9
“I’ve got friends in low places.” So sang a country singer some years ago. Jesus certainly had friends whom the world would have described as coming from low places. He could be found among the common man (Mark 12:37). He was known not only to keep company with tax collectors and sinners (Matt 9:10-11), but was also accused of being a friend of the same (Matt 11:19). Horror of horrors! But Jesus came as the Savior of the world, and this included “the upper crust” as well. In today’s reading, we see Him assisted by Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward. Jesus also had other friends of wealth influence, including Nicodemus the Pharisee and Joseph of Arimathea. Jesus was of such character so as to draw all men to Himself (cf John 12:32). Our lives should mimic His in this way, that we might point all men to Jesus.
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