Exodus 22, 23 - God is interested in my life!
My Mum suffered from corns on her foot. She was totally frustrated with this callused patch of hard, thickened skin and could not get relief. One day I invited her to Church and a woman spoke on healing. Invitations were given to come forward but my Mum, although interested in everything the woman had said about God’s healing grace, didn’t go forward. I talked with her and asked her why she didn’t go forward and have prayer for her callused foot. She said, "God would not be interested in my corns". We told her that He was interested in everything about her. Later that night, as once again she experienced frustration with her foot, she prayed that God would heal her. She related to us later how God healed her completely even though she had experienced these corns for some time. God demonstrated to her that He was interested in even the smallest things in her life.
God has plans for our lives. Plans to bless us and make us fruitful. We gain a whole lot of insight about God’s plan for us from the promises and plans God has for Israel. This is how God deals with His people. We get an insight into the heart of God as He spells out His purposes for them. As we take these lessons in we will see the impact it makes in our lives personally and in our children and in our Church and ultimately in our community and culture.
In Exodus 22 and 23 we have numerous laws of restitution and appropriate justice for all - rich or poor, friend or enemy. Sabbaths and feasts are appointed. Every seventh day they are to rest. Every seven years the land is remain fallow. The feasts of unleavened bread, first fruits and ingathering are outlined. God promises angelic assistance. He speaks about His covenant, the promised land, healing, victory and fruitfulness.
What these chapters say to me is that there is no part of my life that God is not interested in. He wants to guide my thinking and actions in terms of my relationships with others and with Him.
"Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart." - Proverbs 11:11 (NLT)
These laws show that we are valuable to God, that He cares for us and wants to protect us. We are made in His image and life is valuable and not to be wasted. It means that it is possible for me to live in peace and security with others and exercise justice and integrity in my actions. He wants me to celebrate life and His provision for me.
The Israelites have been slaves, subject to the dictates of Pharaoh and his cruel taskmasters. No rights. At the mercy of men who don’t know God or care about pleasing him. God however does care about them. He doesn’t give them a democracy based on voting and what the average man thinks but a theocracy that recognizes that God is the Sovereign King.
I can get to know our God through these laws. He is just, and I can live in safety and security. As I trust in Him, I am protected and cared for. He is compassionate and merciful. I can make a difference to my culture by listening to His voice. I belong to Him and He belongs to me. He protects me because He loves me and knows what is best for me.
God bless you Church, as you place your trust in a God who is interested in everything that is happening in your life. He has a plan and purpose for you today.
