"Ye Are The Children Of The Lord Your God"

by Jarvis, A. G. | Category: General | May 1962

"Thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God."

(Deuteronomy 14. 1, 2)

The fact of this dual relationship was of vital importance to Israel in that long past day, for all the precepts and prohibitions of the law, both moral and ceremonial, were based upon it. Privilege and responsibility stemmed from this unique relationship. It was because they were His children and His people that they must needs be separated in spirit and in act from the nations round about. A far higher authority must govern their lives, which were to witness to the character and ways of the LORD their God. So it was that with minute detail the ordinances as to such things as food, and possessions were given to them. These things, or some of them, may seem trivial in themselves, but strict obedience to them was enjoined. The contrast between their way of life and the way of life of those around was at once a witness to the claims of their God, and a test of their faith and obedience.

So today, because we are children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, and are "a people for His own possession, zealous of good works" (Titus 2.14), there are many things that we, too, must avoid. Nothing in our lives should be too small to be related by faith and obedience to the revealed will of God. "We make it our aim to be well-pleasing unto Him" should express the ambition of our redeemed lives. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10.81). In view of that fast approaching day of "the revealing of the sons of God" (Romans 8.19) when He shall be manifested, and we also shall be manifested with Him in glory, "what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness," seeing we look for these things? (2 Peter 3.11). The emphasis in the epistles, on "manner of life" needs to be much before our hearts in this day of lawlessness. "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ" are deeply searching words (Philippians 1.27).

"If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself" said the Lord (Matthew 16.24). This was what was involved in those ancient commandments relating to the food of the people of God (see Deuteronomy 14.8-21). It meant denial, and it is as basic to discipleship today, as it was in the days of the apostles. We are living in days of much material comfort, and such days have their peculiar dangers. Of Sodom it is said, "Pride, fulness of bread, and prosperous ease were in her" (Ezekiel 16.49). These things were written aforetime for our learning.

"Ye therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware lest, being carried away with the error of the wicked, ye fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and for ever. Amen" (2 Peter 3.17, 18). Like Paul, may we be able to say, "What things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ." (Philippians 3.7). He is coming, coming soon, and His reward is with Him.

The crowning day is coming by and by."

Jarvis, A. G. | May 1962
General