Deuteronomy 26:19
“and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the LORD your God, as He has spoken.”
Israel had a special purpose. The Lord was working through them to reach the whole world. This special focus started at Abraham and ended at Jesus. In essence, Israel was a metaphor. Their religion furthered that metaphor. The sacrificial system with the lamb covering the sins was a direct picture of what Jesus was going to do. Jesus’ sacrifice for sins was the fountain head that now gives all of us access.
Israel had a special place. The Lord blessed them in many ways: a land to live in, a system of worship, a social system, full hearts (if they chose to seek God), protection against enemies, and so on. He did this because He loved them, but He wanted the world to see with covetousness the lives of His children.
The Lord does the same with us. Matthew 5:14-16 says, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
The Lord wants to bless us, first because He loves us, but also because He wants to reach others. In church circles, the word testimony is used to represent how God has worked in ones life. Much like a witness in court will share what was seen, so a testimony is sharing what God has done. It’s to be done in all seasons of life. In the highs and the lows. Having hope in the low times is a strong message. Those are the seasons when most think of God.
Lord, thanks for Your blessings. Help us to share them with those around us.