Living in Moab

(Psa 108:9 KJV)  Moab is my washpot; over Edom will I cast out my shoe; over Philistia will I triumph.

(Proverbs 15 also read)

One of the differences in viewpoint between the Old Testament and the New is the focus of God’s grace.  I don’t know how much is perception and how much is real.  In books like Psalms you see God addressing groups of people, nations and tribes, as His primary focus.  Individuals are considered but the major concern would be the nation of Israel as God’s chosen people.  An example would be in the reference to Moab.  I don’t think being a “washbowl” (7366) is a good thing.  At the same time Ruth was from Moab and is singled out for God’s blessings.

That is a point of view worth considering.  We live in a culture.  That culture has attributes.  We are forced to deal with them and suffer the consequences of the rottenness as well as the blessings of morality.  Ruth was obviously singled out as a woman of virtue.  She went through some hard times and through her faithfulness to Naomi she was moved from Moab to Israel.

So?  We may live in a culture that is heading for the gutter.  We are still called to live in virtue and follow the higher calling of a holy God.  Sometimes we will be sheltered.  Sometimes we will be persecuted.  At all times we must be obedient grains of salt.