The Lord is king forever and ever!

But you do see the trouble and grief they cause. You take note of it and punish them. The helpless put their trust in you. You are the defender of orphans. Break the arms of these wicked, evil people! Go after them until the last one is destroyed! The Lord is king forever and ever! Let those who worship other gods be swept from the land. Psalm 10: 14-16 NLT

At last we see the problem: those who are not worshipping God are the ones who are wicked, evil and do such awful deeds.

This reminds me of how different the Hebrews were compared to others who lived in and around the land of Canaan. The non-believers had no such codes like the commandments of not murdering or honoring one's parents. Child sacrifice, killing orphans, taking advantage of those who were already downtrodden was a way of life. God's commandments created a people who were very different from those living in the Promised Land. It is no wonder that God forbade intermarriage with the native people; God did not want God's followers to become so evil.

What makes you, a believer in Christ, different from non-believers around you? Would visitors to your workplace know without a doubt that you were a Christian? When you go to the store or the doctor's office, would people see you as a follower of Christ? Do you find yourself taking on more and more of the culture around you rather than the characteristics of a follower of Jesus?

God, help us to be your people. Set us apart, help us to be more holy as we follow you. May we not be lured by the supposed benefits of this world but focus on your kingdom instead. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Copyright 2011 Amelia G. Sims