WHAT IF IT WERE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"No Ammonites or Moabites, or any of their descendants for ten generations, may be included in the assembly of the Lord." Deuteronomy 23:3 NLT

I've pondered this verse in my heart this morning.

I know God made this declaration based on the treatment of His people by the country of Ammon and Moab as they traveled in the forty-year trek. I know He is just in what He does, says and proclaims.

But, what if I was in generation eight, nine or ten of those families?

What if I'd grown up beside a godly Jewish family, played with their kids, watched how they lived, saw all their blessings--wanted to know their God? I would have probably been unaware of exactly what 'my' family had done to warrant exile from the church. I would have been so far removed (generationally) from the circumstances that no blame should be placed upon my shoulders. I would have lived desiring the fellowship of a synagogue family. To be invited to one of their potlucks. To be able to view on of their Christmas programs. A singing.

Would I, in keeping with God had spoken, be preparing my family for generation eleven? Might I do what I could at home to promote relationships with Yahweh? Might I study what I could of the scrolls? Would I stand as closely to the church house as I could without legally 'going in'? Would I grill my neighbors as to what their sermon was about as soon as they got home from church?

What if it were us? How much would we want it?

You think it's silly that I mention a time when we might not be allowed into God's house for worship and services? Silly, huh?