Sometimes we fall into the misguided notion that God rescued Israel from Egypt and brought them in the Promised Land solely for their benefit - either to honor His covenant with Abraham or because they were His chosen people. But God's purpose is to set them apart as an example so that other nations might see how God had blessed them and turn away from idolatry to follow the one true God.
Yet at the same time, God knew beforehand exactly how miserably Israel would fail. God knew how they would turn to idols themselves and eventually be enslaved and exiled from the land. He knew that a remnant would turn back to Him with their whole hearts and He would restore them again.
And all of this would serve as a picture for those to follow, even for us today, to see God's mercy and grace, His forgiveness displayed over and over again - but to also see His judgment on sin.
As followers of Christ, God is calling us to be that example as well. We are not to react to the sin around us by joining in, by redefining sin, or by taking God's judgment in our own hands.
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." Philippians 1:27-30
Yet at the same time, God knew beforehand exactly how miserably Israel would fail. God knew how they would turn to idols themselves and eventually be enslaved and exiled from the land. He knew that a remnant would turn back to Him with their whole hearts and He would restore them again.
And all of this would serve as a picture for those to follow, even for us today, to see God's mercy and grace, His forgiveness displayed over and over again - but to also see His judgment on sin.
As followers of Christ, God is calling us to be that example as well. We are not to react to the sin around us by joining in, by redefining sin, or by taking God's judgment in our own hands.
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have." Philippians 1:27-30
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