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Read: Deuteronomy 10:17-19
Listen: Deuteronomy 10

And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19

Deuteronomy captures a pivotal moment in the story of God’s people. Moses addresses the Israelites before they enter the promised land of Canaan. Through Moses, God reminds Israel that he is establishing a relationship with them and they are becoming a nation through him. He tells them to follow his instructions on how to live in this new land. They should not follow the surrounding nations. Instead, they should reflect God in every way they live. These instructions are challenging! Not only is Israel commanded to imitate God through their actions toward each other, but also toward people that are not like them. They are to show love to foreigners and to the fatherless and widows among them. His Word is to be their guide.

We too are commanded to look to God’s Word as the primary voice that shapes how we move through the world. Rather than the culture around us, his Word instructs us in how to think, act, and live. This is as challenging to us as it was to Israel! However, when we stand firm on his Word, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we reflect the character and glory of our good God. God’s Word reiterates that all people are made in the image of God and that humanity is sinful. God cares about the least of these and is serious about redeeming the broken, sinful places in our communities and our hearts.

TODAY: Take a moment to ask God to shape how you relate to the world around you. Pray: Lord, above the current of the times and rush of culture, please shape my thinking, words, and behavior.