In the passage for yesterday we found an Arab in the line of descendants leading to David. Then in 2:34 we find an Egyptian slave woman, 2:34, and then in 3:2 and in 3:23 find mention of an Aramean princess and an Egyptian princess in the genealogy. The observation from the genealogy yesterday was that there is “no difference” between the races. There is neither “Jew nor Gentile” in God’s eyes. Today, I’d observe that there is no difference in God’s eyes regarding wealth, education, or social status. Paul says there is neither “slave nor free.” In today’s language that might be similar to saying there is neither “rich nor poor.” To God there is no difference.
He doesn’t notice things like that the way we do. Instead of our differences, God is more concerned about our similarities. As I quoted yesterday, Paul explains God’s perspective to us in Romans. He says to God there is “No Difference.” This phrase is used first with reference to our human sinfulness. “?There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God?” (?Rom. 3:22–23? NIV). This is what God cares about.
When he was preparing for an evangelistic campaign in one of American’s largest cities, Billy Sunday is said to have written to the Mayor asking for the names of individuals he knew who had spiritual problems and needed help and prayer. The major sent him the city phone book!
The obvious similarity to God is that we all need Jesus!
Chuck
“For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:9