Wednesday, May 10, 2023

 

Wednesday, May 10, 2023


Psalms 92; 93

Exodus 32:15-35

John 12:44-50


“But now, if you will only forgive their sin – but if not, blot me out of the book that you have written.”


On what basis do you divide groups of people? In a country like ours, it can be difficult: while the original ANZACs fought for a British Commonwealth, their contemporaries may find an institution like the recent coronation of Charles III more of an entertaining anachronism than a nationally sacred moment. In a multicultural melting pot, what defines a people? Is there really anything more than a government-issued slip of paper that can tell us who is in – and who is out?


Moses’ identity with a people stands out in this passage as that which is most alien. The pogrom that saw three thousand Israelites put to the sword is more relatable (sadly) than the idea of someone asking to be numbered with his countrymen even if it meant losing his salvation.


But if we can wrap our heads around the depth of this corporate identity then I think we can get closer to Jesus and what He did on the cross. Because Jesus had a national identity, that of a Jew.

He first came to His own. Opening His arms to all nations, peoples, and languages, He died, setting those divisions back into their proper place. Then He rose from the dead, setting Himself as the One who unifies. Now, our people is God’s people, our birthplace God’s kingdom, our anthem the Psalter, our king the Lord Jesus.

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