Who are God’s People?
From my perspective I’d like to think it’s me, and our cell groups, and our coffee groups, and church groups… but when did I become “God’s People”?
… and was I part of “God’s People” before?
From God’s prospective… did Jesus not come for God’s People? And those very definitely seemed to include the dodgiest of characters with the loosest of morals… Didn’t they?
Does Jesus not constantly teach about and chase after those that need Him most? Did He not say that the sick need a doctor, not the healthy?
I was reading Romans 12 from v9, a very well known passage. Verses 9-12 speak to the believers about their own faith and actions:
- Embrace the good
- Serve the Lord
- Have hope
- Don’t succumb to troubles
- Commune with God
- Love & support your fellow believers
But then, in the middle of that, I believe God speaks about His Beloved People, which I believe refers to unbelievers.
“…Take a constant interest in the needs of God’s beloved people and respond by helping them…” (v13) and then what to do when they kick you in the shin as they are bound to do…
“… Speak blessing, not cursing, over those that reject and persecute you…” (v14)
“…never hold a grudge or try to get even, but plan your life around the noblest way to benefit others…” (v17)
We have frequently spoken about growing where you are planted and serving wherever you are. How do we share a Christ testimony if we are never in a place or between people who need Christ or where we can make a difference?
The fact is that God, our Father, loves “that guy” just as much as you, and cannot wait for the return of His lost son! He will cheer and celebrate (just like He did for me)
