Foundations for Christian Mission, Mentor's Guide, MG04

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F O U N D A T I O N S F O R C H R I S T I A N M I S S I O N

5. God’s standard for his people, therefore, is to stand against and repel anything that would interfere with his desire for shalom among his people.

B. Poverty as the denial of God’s shalom

1. The blessing of the Lord was to prevent the occurrence of poverty among his people, Deut. 15.4-5.

2. Obedience to the commands and standards of God would have ensured justice and righteousness in the covenant community.

a. Isa. 58.10-11

b. Prov. 28.27

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C. Faithfulness to the covenant: the duty of the people of God for the continuation of shalom

1. The shalom of the Lord was a gift, but the effort to pursue the well-being of others was based on their responsible obedience to God’s will, Deut. 28.1-8.

2. Obeying God’s voice and keeping the covenant was the condition of experiencing God’s blessing and care, Exod. 19.5-6.

3. This separation to the will and standard of the Lord was directly related to the covenant community’s relationship to God, Lev. 11.44-45.