I’m not going to read scripture today as we begin our sermon, because our scripture lesson spans almost three chapters - beginning with 21 and going through the 19th verse of chapter 23. This section of the book of Exodus is called “the book of the Covenant” This was a sacred document for the Jews, containing the conditions on which the peculiar relationship between Israel and Jehovah was based. I’m using that word peculiar in its precise meaning. That God would choose these “nothing” people, these nomads for a covenant relationship is strange to normal thought. How odd of God to choose the Jews, so it was a peculiar relationship.

In the New Testament, Peter talked about the church as new Israel. He called that fellowship “a peculiar people.”

So, I’m not using the word peculiar as we mig…