September 23 - Impartiality of Scripture

September 23 - Impartiality of Scripture

"The same law applies to the native-born and to the alien living among you." (Exodus 12:49)

That same information is repeated in Leviticus 24:22, Numbers 9:14 and Numbers 15:16.

I find this really interesting. If you were a Gentile living among the Jews and wished to participate in the Passover ceremony, you had to observe the same laws of cleanliness and purification that the Jews did. At the same time, if you were an alien living among the Israelites, you received the same benefits as they did.

God simply did not play favorites, everyone was treated the same.
By the time we get to the New Testament, we find Paul explaining in Galatians 3:28 that "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." He goes on in verse 29, "If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise."

The personalities of my classmates in the comparative religions course I'm taking right now is fascinating. A few are very strong Christians, and rather judgmental. ONe announced at the beginning of the course that she was going to be presenting a lot of scripture to counteract the information we were learning about Eastern Religions.

Then there are others who are so obviously in the middle of searching for the truth, they have no idea where to land. As each week passed and we began learning about another religion, one of them would begin discussing how they wanted to implement some of the things they were learning into their search for truth. They were all over the place.

But, I'll be honest, The person I had the most difficulty with was the woman who insisted that in our discussions of these various religions, we had to hear how Jesus was the Son of God and the only true way. Now, I fully agree, but she spent more time stating that simple fact than she did studying the information she was given. Let me tell you, after the first couple of times she challenged my belief structure, I was just done. There are some things that aren't worth arguing about any longer.

But, see, she doesn't get it. She doesn't understand that by learinng about these religions, she will be better equipped to speak with someone who is questioning them or is interested in them. Because God doesn't care who it is that comes into His kingdom. He is prepared for everyone to be there!

The Law ... the Scriptures are not simply a tool for Christians. God stated quite clearly from the very beginning that thi sis for everyone.

My question tonight is ... who do you need to share God's word with tomorrow?