God's neighborhood

Today: Numbers 35-36

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."

If you're like me, those words remind you of a childhood favorite. That's right, ladies and gentlemen--I'm talking about the great Mr. Rogers!

When I was little, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood was mesmerizing. When Mr. Rogers looked at the camera and spoke directly, I felt like he was talking to me. It was like...magic. He knew I was watching and listening to his every word. (All right, maybe not. It felt that way, though!)

Mr. Rogers' neighborhood was a wonderful place. Do you ever wonder what God's neighborhood is like? Would you be surprised if it looked a lot like yours?

If you're really confused right now, I don't blame you. Take a look at a verse from today's passage:

"Don't desecrate the land in which you live.

I live here, too—

I, God, live in the same neighborhood

with the People of Israel."

Hmm...interesting, huh? Heaven is definitely God's homebase (so to speak), but He's also omnipresent (He can be anywhere and everywhere at once). That means that He may be right where you're at.

In context, His instruction to refrain from desecrating the land was an instruction for the people to avoid the pollution of sin (namely, murder).

If God really lived in your neighborhood--or even in your home--would you do some things differently? Would the atmosphere change? What would the relationships in your family or community look like?

He may be there right now as your best neighbor. What can you do to stop any pollution in the environment?

Tomorrow: Deuteronomy 1-2