YOU BELONG TO GOD. Deuteronomy 14 Israel was chosen because, through that nation, the Redeemer of all mankind would come into the world to save sinners. All the world would be blessed because of the Savior who came through the channel of Israel, Abraham’s seed. God prepared the way through Israel by giving types and foreshadowings of the Lord Jesus Christ and what His coming to redeem us would involve.
The teachings about sacrifices show us the need for a perfect, innocent victim to stand in for the guilty. Deliverance from bondage demonstrates how God’s power alone can free us from sin’s demands. Worshiping the Father in spirit and truth eliminates any idea that we are creating a way to worship God that only fits our preferences. The history of Israel in the Old Testament teaches us the “what to do” and “what not to do” that guide our lives, service, and worship of God. It places the entire spiritual aspect of our lives within a human context that we can understand if we want to.
As I seek to learn lessons from God and His dealings with His treasured possession, Israel, in the past, I remember that Christians today also stand out in the world as "a peculiar people, zealous of good works." I have, on several occasions, seen some of God's people react to the death of a loved one in a way that is most unseemly for a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no question that the loss of a loved one brings great grief to us because of the memories of a shared life and the fact that this person is now gone from us. Someone with whom we shared life and love has departed, and a familiar face will no longer be seen. Yet, despite such a great loss, we must remind ourselves that when these times come, there will be a resurrection of the dead.
Even though the loss may seem hopeless, during these times, God is with us. He does not leave or forsake us. His plans for life also include death and the day we pass away. We cannot avoid the pain, tears, and consequences of death. However, we can learn from our blessed Lord Jesus Christ how to face the death of a loved one with dignity and respect. "Jesus wept" because He understood the feelings of loss others experienced. He knew He would raise Lazarus from the dead but could empathize with Martha and Mary because Lazarus was a dear friend of His and a loved brother of theirs.
When one of our own by nature's ties passes away, we feel sorrow. However, any physical abuse of our body to show sorrow, or even making cuts or tattoos as a sign of devotion and a memorial to the loved one, is inappropriate. Our bodies belong to the Lord. We are His. We do not have the right to harm it. It is wrong to show extreme grief when we know the truth that our Lord holds the keys to life and death. What He allows is because He knows the future as well as the past. Those who belong to God should "Pray today, and leave tomorrow, in our loving Savior's hands."
A child of God must remember that we belong to God—body, soul, and spirit. Even seemingly small matters, like what we eat, should be considered in light of God's Word. Some foods are not to be eaten out of respect for the conscience of others who might be offended if I do. In this day of grace, we are free to eat "what is set before you, asking no questions." However, that may not always be suitable depending on the culture and conscience of those around us. The prohibitions given to the children of Israel about what they could eat were meant to be both spiritual and practical.
Many creatures were not to be eaten because of the taste and pleasure people received from them, due to what those animals, birds, and fish feed on. Scavenger beasts, birds, and fish were forbidden both for health reasons and because of the spiritual need to stay away from anything unclean. Animals that feed on fast-growing plants like grass were considered clean because they chew the cud and have cloven hooves. But it’s not just what they eat that matters—it’s also what they do not eat. They do not turn to consume their own dung or that of other animals. When the Israelites followed God's prohibitions and commands, "none of those diseases" came upon them.
Another lesson I learned from God’s dealings with the Israelites is that nothing I have to use can be claimed as exclusively mine. Everything we possess has come from God. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord." What God grants us for use carries specific qualifications. A portion of everything belongs to God’s service, helping to promote His work through His servants. Setting aside what belongs to God first, then using what remains to meet our needs, shows where our priorities lie. Giving to God with reverence makes managing finances a holy and righteous act rather than a greedy "Me first" attitude.
Holiness in burying the dead and in what we eat is both spiritual and practical. "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh." My attitude toward God and His blessings is reflected in how I live and act. What I give to support God's work should be seen as a privilege, since I can advance what is important to God. I must always prioritize God and honor Him with reverence and godly fear. May I never presume to take or keep what rightfully belongs to God!
Caring for the helpless and poor should be part of my service to God. This does not mean I am obligated to support everyone who demands money from me. There are widows, and there are "widows indeed." There are those who ask for money, and "they may consume it upon their lusts." There are those who lack food, and it is clear they have needs they cannot meet. There are reasonable and sensible ways to care for the poor. An organized approach to meeting another person's needs does not cause embarrassment to the one who needs our help. When the "right hand does not know what the left hand doeth," neither the giver nor the receiver's character is harmed. What is done for another is done "as to the Lord."
The faith of God's people works in everyday life. When caring for the sick and afflicted, compassion and grace are essential. In meeting the needs of the poor and hungry, provision and grace must be offered. When deciding what I should or shouldn't do or eat, common sense and grace are important. During times of family loss and sorrow gripping our emotions, dignity and grace are needed. When giving to the Lord and advancing His work, generosity and grace are crucial.
The active, vital faith of a child of God considers what pleases God in every action and decision we make. A good question to ask ourselves is, "Will it be honoring to my Lord if I pursue this path of action? Will the outcome of the course I choose now be to the glory of God or only to my own satisfaction?" It is not uncommon for someone who forgets they belong to God to promote themselves and their cause and secretly hope others are put down and humiliated by their actions. Love rejoices when another person is exalted, not when they are abased. Faith is strengthened and active when we are conscious of the fact that we belong to God. Faith can bring us joy when I am confident that what I am doing in all areas of my life is according to the will and word of God.