I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Exodus 33-35.

    I read an article about a Christian congregation in Minneapolis holding an interfaith service this week during the run up to the Super Bowl. Then I read today’s passage and God’s command that the Israelites not make a treaty with any of the people living in the land to which they were traveling. Further God warns against taking the daughters of those people as wives for their sons. However, it is important to note the wording of that prohibition, “you will accept their daughters, who sacrifice to other gods, as wives for your sons.” Carefully reading this indicates that the prohibition is against marrying those who worship other gods. If someone truly converts to Christianity, the beliefs of their parents are irrelevant. In addition, God warns against taking part in the sacrificial meals of pagans. All in all, a reading of God’s instructions concerning the Israelites making treaties with the people currently living in the Promised Land shows us the danger of “inter faith dialogue” and joining forces with organizations of other faiths to accomplish a mission. If we do so, we may allow them to draw us into advancing their priorities rather than God’s priorities.