we see quite a difference between the ethics of the OT reading and the NT today. Joshua (which is the same name, Yeshua, as Jesus) is given the command from God to kill all of the inhabitants of all of the towns nearby, and he carries it out faithfully.
Jesus teaches in the NT how the rich are punished in the afterlife, and the poor are comforted. teaching us how important it is to take care of the poor among us.
it almost seems that the two contradict. but God never contradicts Himself. so how do they interact? how does one Yeshua relate to the other?
both are obedient to God, who is in His mercy taking care of His people. His plan was to bring the Messiah into our midst, so that salvation would come to us men. the tribes surrounding the Israelites threatened to annihilate that possibility. God's mercy saved sinners, and saves them still today. but when His work is threatened, He doesn't hesitate to protect it, even if it means that people die.
after all, His rewards and His mercy and justice don't end at death.
God, please give me the courage to do Your will. and thank you for the Gospel, which the Messiah Yeshua brings us.
2 comments:
No one but Christ is worthy, should we all die? Why are we still here? We should all either die or be taken up to be with God. I pray for patience, but I want it NOW.
Obedient, to Gods commands and doing what He commands. Joshua was a very terrific example for us. Trust and faith in God.
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