Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalm 100:3 KJV
In this passage the Psalmist expresses God’s sovereignty over his people saying of the Israelites in relation to God, “we are his people.” As such, the author directs this psalm to the nation of Israel and God’s chosen people. In relation to this, Christians celebrate the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ who calls both Jew and Gentile to repent and join the family of God.
God chose the Israelites as his people, but Jesus called all who believe in him to his family. As we read in Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen. KJV” The word of God calls all people to experience the Lord God as Creator and Shepherd.
Creation flies in the face of the worldview that we are a cosmic accident. Christians and faithful Jews alike believe the words from Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. WEB” We believe that creation itself testifies to the work of God. As Psalm 19:1 states, “The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. WEB”
In the Image of God
Further, God created us in his divine image. Scripture asserts this in Genesis 1:27 saying, “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. WEB” Not only are we a part of creation, but we are also a special part of creation that most closely resembles God himself.
By virtue of creation, God has exclusive right to ownership of our lives. As the scripture asserts, we did not make ourselves. Those of us who accept Jesus as Savior have been grafted to the vine of God’s chosen people as stated in Romans 11:17. We too are his people.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for making a place for me in your holy family. Give me wisdom to understand your word. Help me to live a life that pleases you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Kingdom of Our Lord
