Exodus_22
Scripture
Exodus 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
Observation - What does it say?
God gave the Israelites the 10 Commandments, but in addition, he instructed Moses to give them many other specific laws (seen in chapters 20-23). Several of these laws have to do with the Israelites conduct with those in their community, including this one. Because the Israelites were God’s chosen people, it could be easy to assume that the rest of mankind wasn’t as important to God or that he loved them a bit less. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! God set apart the Israelites so that he could bless all the nations of the earth through them. In other words, it was God’s love for those Israel regarded as foreigners, that he chose them.
Understanding - What does it mean?
Likewise, part of the reason God chose us to be adopted into his family is his great love for those around us who don't yet know him.
If we’ve been saved for a while, it can be easy to loose sight of who we were when God found us. We forget how sinful we were, how utterly helpless to save ourselves, how broken, how separated from God and how devoid of peace we were. God sets us free, forgives us, saves us, and transforms our lives. After time, entitlement begins to creep into our hearts and we feel we deserve this new life we have come to experience. Along with entitlement, we notice we aren’t struggling with the “big sins” we used to and can begin to look down our nose at those who do. Side note: There are no big or small sins in God’s eyes. Greed and lust and lying are on the same level as murder and adultery.
The truth Israel was always to live in awareness of is that they were once foreigners. And that truth was to drive them to not mistreat foreigners they encounter.
Life Application
Because we are no longer foreigners but have been adopted into God’s family through Christ, it should fuel us with compassion for those who are still on the outside!