Faithfulness towards the Israelites!

So I've been addicted to the Old Testament for a while now. Recently I started taking a class that covers the whole Bible, as ONE book...starting with the Old Testament. The story of the children of Israel will never cease to amaze me. Especially when I realize that it is the perfect example of ME (all of us humans in general).
The story of God's faithfulness and blessings towards continually broken, sinful, and unfaithful people is so beautiful. The story of the Israelites is so emotional; heartbreaking, anger-stiring, encouraging, redeeming.
I have learned so much about myself by studying these people and learned so much about my relationship with Christ. The Savior.

I've learned that God is a jealous God. That He longs to be with the Israelites (Me). Him & them (I). Nothing else. No distractions. Though the Israelites (I) constantly get distracted, turn their backs on God, disregard His warnings & love, and completely mess up God never stops wanting to be intimately with them (Me)!!! How amazing to be so wanted and loved.

I've learned that the Israelites (I) are completely failed people. That is what makes the beauty of their relationship with God shine. God chose them (Me). Yucky, disgusting them (Me).

I've learned that God truly does want the best for the Israelites (Me). He wants to bless them (Me) and bring them (Me) back into a perfect relationship with Him. God is constantly reaching out for them (Me) regardless of their (My) lack of pursuit, their (My) lack of faithfulness HE IS FAITHFUL. His promises of blessing never, never fail.

I've learned that the Israelites (I) were never fulfilled in chasing after other things. The pursuit of false idols, the cry for a King, trust in a human leaders. They are never satisfied and are always left wanting more. As I am. Until they (I) have Jesus, who completes that desire in their (My) heart.

I've learned that two things are consistent in the story of the Israelites (Shelby); They (I) are constantly unfaithful and God is constantly faithful. They (I) are loved by a God and called to serve a God that will never cease to be faithful to them despite their (My) consistency to be unfaithful to Him.

I've learned that only in the Israelites' (My) weakest time can they find legitimate communion with God. Time and time again God must break down His people (Me) in order for them to understand His love towards them (Me). Because they (I) are so human and full of themselves (Myself) their eyes are blinded, distracted, and focused on themselves (Myself). God brings them (Me) to the end of themselves (myself) to show How dependable HE IS!


I challenge everyone to look into the stories of the children of Israel! They put your perspective of God in a whole new light and also your perspective of your walk with Him as well! :).