No outsiders

What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him.— Deuteronomy 10:12

In the remote region of Ghana where I lived as a boy, “Chop time, no friend” was a common proverb. Locals considered it impolite to visit at “chop time” (mealtime) because food was often scarce. The maxim applied to neighbors and outsiders alike. 

But in the Philippines, where I also lived for a time, if you visit unannounced at mealtime, your hosts will insist on sharing with you regardless of whether they have enough for themselves. 

As the Israelites left Egypt, God provided specific instructions to govern their culture. But rules — even God’s rules — can never change hearts. So Moses said, “Change your hearts and stop being stubborn” (Deut. 10:16 nlt). Interestingly, right after issuing that challenge Moses took up the topic of Israel’s treatment of outsiders. God “loves the foreigner residing among you,” he said, “giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt” (vv. 18-19).

Israel served the “God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome” (v. 17). One powerful way they were to show their identification with God was by loving foreigners — those from outside their culture.

What might this small picture of God’s character mean for us today? How can we show His love to the marginalized and the needy in our world?— Tim Gustafson

Heavenly Father, help us bless others today by showing Your love in some small way.

Read: Deuteronomy 10:12-22

In Christ, there are no outsiders.

Bible in a Year: Isaiah 17-19 and Ephesians 5:17-33