24 November Deuteronomy 14

We are God’s special people

Deuteronomy 14 (AMP) “You are the sons of the Lord your God; you shall not cut yourselves nor shave your forehead for the sake of the dead, 2 for you are a holy people [set apart] to the Lord your God; and the Lord has chosen you out of all the peoples who are on the earth to be a people for His own possession”.

1. You are a holy people.

When the Bible says, "You are a holy people," it speaks to a profound relationship and responsibility between God and His people. The term "holy" essentially means "set apart" or "consecrated" for a special purpose. In the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, God declares the Israelites as His chosen people, set apart from other nations to live according to His laws, reflect His character, and be an example to the world. 1 Peter 2:9 (AMP) “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light”.

Believers in Jesus are called holy people, not because of their merit but because of God's grace and Jesus' work on the cross. This holiness invites believers into a deep, committed relationship with God and empowers them to live in a way that honours Him and fulfils His purpose on earth.

2. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for Himself

Being chosen by God means having a relationship unlike any other. In the Old Testament, God chose Israel as His "treasured possession," a people set apart to know, worship, and serve Him alone. In the New Testament, this extends to all believers in Christ as they become part of God's family, sharing a deep and personal connection with Him. God’s choice comes with a purpose. When God calls people to Himself, it’s to live out His earthly purposes. In the Old Testament, Israel was chosen to represent God to the nations, reflecting His justice, mercy, and holiness. In the New Testament, believers are chosen to proclaim the message of Jesus, serve others, and live lives that reflect God’s character.

Ephesians 1:13-14 (NLT) And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own[a] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

3. A special treasure

Special treasure reflects a deep sense of value, affection, and purpose. This idea, rooted in the Old Testament, reveals God’s heart for His people, setting Israel apart as a unique and beloved nation. Through Jesus, this relationship expands to include all believers, who now share in this identity as God’s special treasure. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (NLT) “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”.

4. Above all, the people who are on the face of the earth.

When God says Israel is “above all the people on the face of the earth,” it reflects a special relationship that sets them apart as God’s covenant people. This unique position was intended to make Israel a beacon for other nations. They were to live in such a way that other nations would see their justice, mercy, and devotion to God and be drawn to Him. As God’s chosen people, they were meant to embody His values and showcase His goodness and holiness.

In the New Testament, this theme is expanded to include all who believe in Jesus, as they are also considered a “chosen people” and a “holy nation”.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 14 reminds us of the profound identity and calling bestowed upon God’s people. To be God's "holy people" and "special treasure" is both a privilege and a responsibility. It signifies a unique relationship marked by God’s love, grace, and purpose. This calling isn’t about superiority but dedication, set apart to reflect God’s character in a world that desperately needs His light. As "chosen" and “holy” people, Israel and all believers in Christ are invited to embody God's love, justice, and mercy, living in a way that honours Him and draws others toward His truth.

Through Jesus, this special relationship extends to every believer, uniting them into God’s family and empowering them to live out His earthly purposes. God’s Spirit is now His seal upon us, reminding us that we are treasured, valued, and called to proclaim His excellencies. This identity calls us to embrace our purpose with humility and courage, becoming ambassadors of His love and grace. May we cherish this divine calling and shine as beacons of His light so that all might see and come to know the One who calls us His own.