March 27, 2021
Religious Culture vs Kingdom Culture
In this passage, the descendants of Joseph (the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh) received their allotments in the Promised Land. But there is a catch- Israel showed signs of their slipping spiritually when they failed to fully follow the Lord’s commandments.
The Israelites did not drive out the Canaanites and were disobedient to God (Joshua 16:10, Joshua 17:12). Joshua urged the people to keep the faith and drive out the Canaanites, despite their military strength (Joshua 17:18).
The Israelites bent God’s direction and truth to suit their wants and needs rather than trusting in His protection and provision. They did not take hold of the full inheritance from the Lord, setting the stage for their spiritual decline in the book of Judges.
“And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”- Luke 5:31-32
In this passage, desperate friends bring a paralyzed man to Jesus to be healed, yet Jesus’ priority is to forgive his sins. This causes controversy with the Jewish leaders because "God alone" forgives sins, and Jesus is claiming divine authority as the Son of Man.
Again, Jesus defies cultural norms by calling Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him. Jesus causes more controversy by eating with sinners, as such a close association would make him unclean.
The Pharisees challenge Jesus about fasting, and He responds with a parable contrasting the kingdom of God with the Mosiac law. Jesus shows how that His new kingdom covenant will consist of repentance, regeneration, and worship.
Make It Personal
- What has God called you to do that requires your complete obedience? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind any areas you may be compromising and forfeiting the inheritance He has for you.
- Are there any cultural norms that hold you back from loving people as Jesus did? Ask the Lord to see others how He sees them, and the courage to act accordingly.