Have you ever been confused trying to figure out the difference with a set of identical twins? You try to find something that distinguishes one from the other as a way of telling them apart. Sometimes you get it right and there are other times when you’re not even too sure who’s who. Sometimes identical twins themselves do something just to make a DISTINCTION between them. It’s their way of declaring their individuality. Each wants the world to see the DISTINCTIONS that makes each unique. So one choose to have a different hair styles or choose glasses that are dissimilar. With that in mind I invite us to consider today’s FF which is DIVINE DISTINCTION!
Just about every business wants consumers to believe that their product is very different from their competitors. Ever seen the commercials on TV about insurance? Which to choose – Progressive, All State, 21st Century or Geico? What about cars – Toyota, Volks Wagon, Chrysler, Nissan, Ford, General Motors? And let’s not forget the wireless companies – AT&T, Digicel, LIME, Sprint or T-Mobile? And of course you can’t forget the cell phones – Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, LG, Android or I-Phone? It is through advertising and their commercials that these various companies try to convince us of their DISTINCTIONS. They’re shouting above the crowd, we’re not like the other insurance companies; our vehicles have this special feature; we offer roll over unused minutes; our cell phones have the latest 4G technology. Our choices are usually based on the DISTINCTIONS we consider noteworthy.
In the same way that businesses try to convince us of their individual DISTINCTION so too God declares that those who belong to God are DISTINCTIVE. God makes a DIVINE DISTINCTION when it comes to those who confess faith in Jesus Christ. From the very beginning God has always made a DIVINE DISTINCTION about those whom God claims. So the people of Israel demonstrated God’s DIVINE DISTINCTION by following the Ten Commandments. DIVINE DISTINCTION was seen in requiring the circumcision of all Jewish males as a symbol of God’s covenant with Abraham. DIVINE DISTINCTION was reflected in the feasts days that were observed and how and where Israel as God’s people worshipped the one true living God.
There is one DIVINE DISTINCTION though that today still stands out. God created a DIVINE DISTINCTION when the Hebrews were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and to apply its blood over their doors. Because of that DISTINCTION the life of the first born of every Hebrew household was spared. The blood still makes a DIVINE DISTINCTION. But this time the DIVINE DISTINCTION is attained not in the application of lamb’s blood on doors. Instead it is applying the blood of one who is the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29) on the doors of our hearts.
As in identical twins, sometimes it’s difficult to tell the difference between those who profess faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and those who do not. It’s challenging sometimes to distinguish believers from non-believers. But let’s not be fooled God always makes a DIVINE DISTINCTION. Be reminded that believers in Christ are “a chosen people…royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Rest assured when it comes to God there’s always a DIVINE DISTINCTION. And even though we may not be able to tell the difference now, a day of judgment will come when God who knows all will reveal that DISTINCTION. Once we profess that we belong to God through faith in Jesus Christ, our duty is to manifest that DIVINE DISTINCTION. Christ’s followers must stand out and exhibit to the world what it means to embody God’s DIVINE DISTINCTION.
Mikie Roberts (Rev)
Here’s the link for the blog. Join in the discussions.
http://moravians.net/serendipity/index.php?/categories/1-Friday-Focus
