Out with the old and in with the new! The Israelites were given instructions on how to do life in the land that God was giving them. They were told to break all ties with the people who had been living in the land and with all of their sinful ways. They were to be a holy people - set apart for the Lord. God explained to them that they weren't being blessed in this way because they were bigger or better than other peoples. They were chosen because God loved them and had redeemed them - he had bought them back from a life of slavery. God did it because he had made a promise to do it and God keeps his promises.
We, too, have been chosen, redeemed and set apart to live holy lives for God! 1 Peter 2:9 tell us, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Let the praises roll!
Lord, we are yours. Show us what needs to go. Help us to live for you and bring praise and glory to you today and every day.
