This is a wonderful way to look at the relationship between Israel and God and through that...a look at all of us who follow Jesus - again Stanley Hauerwas.
...the task for Israel, indeed the very thing that makes Israel Israel, is to walk in the way of the Lord, that is, to imitate God through the means of the prophet (Torah), the king (Sonship), and the priest (Knowledge). To walk in the way of God meant that Israel must be obedient to the commands (Duet.8:6); to fear the Lord (Deut.10:12); to love the Lord (Deut.11:22); and thus to be perfect in the way (Gen.17:1). But the way of obedience is also the way of intimacy, for Israel is nothing less than God's "first-born son" (Ex.4:22). Moreover Israel has the knowledge of the Lord as a just and compassionate God and so Israel too must act justly and with compassion. (Jer.22:16).
I like the reminder that it is a people who are called into this journey - this life - this way of imitation. We are all drawn into this life that comes as the Reign of God becomes visible. In fact, that is what is called for...the whole of the people becoming the image of God's Reign. This is not individualize "faith." This is about life...community life that enlightens the world and calls all people to look again at the fullness of what God is doing among us with power and mercy, grace and forgiveness so that all things will be transformed into a new age.
Connection: Keep in mind the "we" as we live into the faith we carry with us.
When you call us, O God, you call all of us. At times, it is so easy to think of our journey as merely one we take on by ourselves. And yet, it is as individuals that we are called to join others as part of the life within your Reign. Encourage us to move out from our own world and enter the world of your blessed and living promise. Amen.
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