Repairing The Breach

Once we sidestep those teachings, it becomes much easier to say, “Yes, we certainly should address issues of justice (loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke) , but not if it costs me something personally. Because after all, the fact that they’re poor doesn’t really matter. Only whether they have spiritual blessings.” The story of the Israelites at Gilgal is the culmination of their journey through the desert and into the promised land. They recommit to their covenant with God and celebrate the Passover. And then, the first thing they do, is reap a harvest from the land. Prior to this, the Israelites had been eating literal manna from heaven. This is the most spiritual version imaginable of a physical thing. Total dependence on God, without worrying about farming or any material goods. And yet, God didn’t leave them at this place. The fulfillment of their journey into the promised land was that they were integrated wholly with their physical environment, as well as their spiritual one: the renewal of the covenant, and the meeting of need. This was God’s will. 70