September 19, 2019: SOAP #3577:  Ezekiel 47-48; Luke 2

Scripture:  Ezekiel (NIV) 47:21 “You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the aliens who have settled among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. 23 In whatever tribe the alien settles, there you are to give him his inheritance,” declares the Sovereign LORD.

Observation:   It is not clear in my mind as to when the nation of Israel should be divided and assigned as in this chapter.  Some think that it happens during the millennial reign of Jesus after His return to earth.  However, earlier in this chapter it mentions sacrifices that were nullified by the death and resurrection of Jesus.   Whenever, it is clear that God is interested in the aliens.  Those who have settled and now have children are to be treated as citizens.  They are to receive an inheritance as a citizen.

Treating them as citizens would mean that they have BOTH the privileges AND the responsibilities of citizen.  They are free to live as a citizen, but they are responsible to live up to the expectations of citizens.

Application:  The USA has absorbed many aliens from south of our boarder.  These verses give us good Godly counsel on how to deal with the stranger who moves into our neighborhood or city.  They have great value to God!  God paid the same price for their salvation as He did for mine.  I need to treat all people as having great value to God.

Prayer:   Holy Spirit, lead me and use me to reach out to the strangers who have moved into my area.  May they come to know you, to love you, and to serve you. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!