One of the greatest gifts an older sibling gives to their younger siblings is the gift of being either a great example or a horrible warning. I was the oldest sibling. I know I was both. Well, actually I know I was a horrible warning. I hope I was a great example. But I’m not sure.
Throughout, in particular, the Old Testament we see a lot of warnings and horrible examples. But if we read carefully, we also can catch some great examples that apparently were ignored or overlooked. For example in Deuteronomy (the Long Goodbye Book also known as Moses Isn’t Dead Yet), Moses is recounting to the Israelites God’s instructions for how to approach the Promised Land, which kings are to be destroyed and which kings are to be left alone. God has promised to go before the Israelites and drive out the current inhabitants of the Promised Land. And in Moses’ recounting of the lands they are to only pass through on their way, he mentions several times where the Lord destroyed previous inhabitants from before the current inhabitants so they could take the land as theirs (Deuteronomy 2:18-23).
The Israelites are given examples of how the Lord God gave land to the descendants of Esau and others, by driving out other tribes. These are not just side notes for the Israelites leaders. These are “Trust me” statements. “If I, the Lord your God, took care of these who are NOT my chosen people, do it doubt that I can and will deliver the Promised Land to you.”
That’s the beauty of talking about our faith. Our faith stories recount God’s provision, care, intercession, and serve to encourage not only our own faith but the faith of others. We don’t need to evangelize as it has come to be understood. We just need to tell our stories.
Just Sayin' 