Culture Clash

 

 “You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself. Now then, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be My own possession among all the peoples, for all the earth is Mine; and you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:4-6)

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This is God’s statement to Israel just before He gives them the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. The first part of this statement sets forth the reality of God’s love for His chosen people in redeeming them out of slavery. The second part describes the basic agreement: if Israel will obey, they will be blessed. They will be a special priestly nation, demonstrating to their neighbors how to live constructively, in a “love your neighbor” culture, rather than the “strong exploit the weak” culture of the surrounding pagan nations (Leviticus 18).

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It is made clear in this conditional covenant that Israel has a free choice whether to obey or not obey, and it will be they who determine whether they gain the conditional blessings.

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The primary thing God required of Israel was to follow His command: treat one another with respect. Tell the truth. Care for the welfare of others as if it was their own. We can see this in God’s heavy emphasis in His laws for how the average Israeli was to treat orphans, widows, and strangers.

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The Bible makes it clear that seeking God means changing our ways of treating one another. To seek good for others, rather than evil. To seek justice, rather than bribes. To lift and provide opportunity for the poor, rather than exploit them. If Israel does so, then they might gain great blessings. Of course, much of that blessing would be the culture that results from such living. All could thrive in such a loving and caring community.

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In Deuteronomy 27 and 28, God gives the Israelites a ritual to perform once they enter the Promised Land. They will pronounce the blessing and cursing associated with the Mosaic covenant. It appears that this ceremony was intended to cement in the minds of Israelis the very clear choice they would make to follow God’s laws, and what consequences would stem from that choice. If they chose God’s ordered path of loving their neighbors, they would gain great blessing. But if they chose to follow the pagan approach of exploitation, they would be cursed.

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God's intention was that they would stand out from their neighbors. They needed to be separate in an in-depth way, that penetrated down to their daily living, infecting their interactions with others. They needed to be culturally pure, showing God's wisdom, as it penetrated their influence among the nations. They needed a good culture clash - showing the goodness and wisdom of God. 

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This is still a big issue. May you find much strength in pursuing this. It takes a lifetime to develop true impact. Don't be indifferent.

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Deuteronomy 4

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"See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to Him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?"

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