First Taste

“As He says also in Hosea, ‘I will call those who were not My people, ‘My people’; and her who was not beloved, ‘Beloved,’ and it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called sons of the living God. – What shall we say then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith, but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law? Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works.” Romans 9:25-26, 30-32a

“And the serpent said to the woman, ‘You surely shall not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” Genesis 3:4-5

When our “eyes are open” we look around and indulge in the “first sin” – to know what is right and then compare ourselves to others and judge our behaviour, belongings, status, friends, etc., by what we have; this includes our relationship with God. No matter how much or little we have, the comparison naturally leads to dissatisfaction or pride and often competition. The Jews thought they “owned the Law” and that put them in good stead with God. They didn’t want the Gentiles to hear about the one true God, yet it was His plan to appeal to all from the beginning through the Jews.

“’And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great; and so you shall be a blessing; and I will bless those who bless you and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you ALL the families of the earth shall be blessed.’” Genesis 12:2-3

Know His Word. Take care. Your servant & friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: New Request: Poetry needs a heart. Michael and Diane for travelling mercies. Ongoing Requests: God’s hand on USA. Barb to find the new work God has for her; Billy and Michelle for recovery; wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Bill, Denny, Gary, Michael, Adrian. Thanksgiving for new work projects for me.