This covenant promise that God makes to Abraham and to his seed

is not based on anything that they deserve,

or any merit on their part.

And so now God reminds them when they're about to enter into Canaan,

that he's going to give them a land to use,

that they did not clear and establish and cultivate and build.

He's going to give them systems and wells that they didn't dig,

that they can use for their own refreshment.

Vineyards that they didn't plant and when you go in there

and you enjoy the fruits of somebody else's labor,

don't allow that to puff you up in pride

so that you forget the gift of the Lord your God.

Many new Christians begin reading the Bible in the New Testament,

perhaps the Gospel of John.

And so they read of Jesus comforting the disciples saying,

my peace, I leave with you.

They read Jesus' rebuking Peter when he pulls out the sword

during the arrest of Jesus to cut off the servant's ear.

It's understandable when they read the Old Testament

that they might be surprised, perhaps you were too,

to read of God commanding Israel to destroy pagan nations.

Hi, I'm Nathan W. Bingham and thank you for joining us today

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