Set Apart - Navigating the Narrow Way
In Deuteronomy chapter 7, God calls Israel to be a separate, obedient and holy people before their conquest of Canaan. How does this apply to us as Christians today? How can we walk the narrow path - be holy as God is holy and also a light in and amongst the world?
If you’ve read from the previous months, you may have gathered that I’m currently reading through the Old Testament. I have made it to Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy chapter 7, God declares His love for His people, His commitment to them and His call to obedience and faith.
Although God is speaking to Israel before the conquest of Canaan, He speaks to us as Christians, as well. For it says God “set his love on you (Israel)... because the Lord loves you” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8 NKJV)1. Verse 8 goes on to say God redeemed Israel from bondage “because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob).” And Galatians chapter 3, verse 7 tells us to “know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.”
So as I read about God’s covenant and calling to the people of Israel, I think of God’s calling and covenant with me through Jesus. There are two aspects of learning to be like Jesus that have recently been weighing on my heart. One I can’t ignore is the call to be holy and separate (for example, as 1 Corinthians 5:13 says to separate those in the church who give in to wickedness). The other, for which I’ve felt great conviction over, is the call to let my light shine in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
How can I be separate from the ungodliness in the world yet also be in and among the world to show the mercy, love and grace of God?
Scripture to Contemplate
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth. The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage”
Deuteronomy 7 verse 6 says, “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord has chosen you to be a people for Himself.” And God goes on to command the Israelites to “destroy all the peoples whom the Lord your God delivers over to you” (verse 16), to “burn the carved images of their gods with fire” and “not covet the silver or gold that is on them” (verse 25), not to “bring an abomination into your house” but to “utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing” (verse 26).
Ezekiel 36:25 “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.”
There are New Testament writings paralleled here.1
1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light”
Philippians 2:14-16 “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Applying the Scripture
I like rules and boundaries. I want a list of every possible example that could ever occur so I can say, “I can’t do that” or, “I have to make this decision because that keeps me separated from ungodliness.”
Yet I know God isn’t looking for my obedience to rules. He revealed the inefficacy of that approach with the law and its exposure of my sin. Only through Jesus may I find the wisdom, grace, patience, and love to persevere and learn. Through Him I am washed clean; Through Him I am given a new heart and His Spirit; Through Him I am able to keep God’s statutes and to be among His people (Ezekial 36:25-28). So through Jesus I’m learning to be separate, holy and like Him.
I cannot speak for another’s conviction. All I can do is seek God in prayer and in His word as situations arise. The desire of my heart is to honor and glorify God, and for me this often means speaking truth when it is difficult, saying no when I may hurt another’s feelings or pride, or choosing to refrain from some events, holidays or media. It doesn’t make me better than others. I just think sometimes being a light means having the courage to acknowledge when separation exists.
This might look different to each of us. We have different backgrounds - different idols we used to serve. My hope is mostly to reflect often on this difficult, but so very worthwhile, journey along the narrow way.
Focus Verse
Matthew 7:14 “narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
The Narrow Way
Set apart
called
holy to God
by Him
How to balance
the role of a priest,
a nation
called to destroy, despise, disregard
that which opposes
Yet to be a light
to love
into and through the darkness
within and without
Lord, I pray for Your wisdom and guidance
as I walk the narrow way.
References:
Radmacher, Earl D., et al. The Nelson Study Bible: New King James Version. T. Nelson Publishers, 1997.
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