February 20, 2024 - Deuteronomy 23-27

There were those who were forbidden to enter the assembly but of some others, the Lord commanded, “You shall not abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you were a sojourner in his land.  Children born to them in the third generation may enter the assembly of the Lord” (23:7-8).  Edomites . . . once the sworn enemies of Israel.  Egypt . . . murderous Egypt!  Furthermore, Moses gives instructions regarding those who are unclean and the manner in which they can enter the assembly.  Additional instructions regarding husbands and wives, servants, the poor, hired workers, the sojourner, the orphan, the widows, etc.  Unclean.  Outside the assembly.  Strangers.  Far off.  All these descriptors can rightly be said of us.  Paul wrote, “You were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked . . . But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-- by grace you have been saved” (Ephesian. 2:1-5).  From the same chapter:  “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Ephesians 2:13).  Oh, the grace of God that has brought us near to him and saved us! Yesterday's verses, once again:

We trust not in our native strength,

But on his grace rely;

That, with returning wants, the Lord

Will all our need supply.

Lord, guide our doubtful feet aright,

And keep us in thy ways;

And, while we turn our vows to prayers,

Turn thou our prayers to praise.   --Benjamin Beddome (1818)