His latest contribution is on Melchizedek. Find it here
What is the Bible?
Part 67: The Whole Melchizedek Thing And Why You Love it and Know That it’s True
http://t.co/hCgR5QRW65
— Rob Bell (@realrobbell) September 16, 2014
Bell presents the idea that though the Biblical story is largely centered on Israel and salvation through an Israeli, Jesus, the knowledge and worship of the one God was evidently greater than just Israel. Fascinating thought since we normally don't think beyond the focus of Israel.
As I read Bell's post I also thought of Balaam...a prophet-type guy who comes into the Israeli story just prior to their entry into Canaan. Balaam is employed by a king, trying to stop Israel, to curse them. However, God communicates with Balaam, first in a dream and then through his donkey, that he will not be able to do this. Balaam tells the king that he will only be able to say what God directs him to say...and of course...it is all blessing of Israel, not a curse. Can you say "blindside."
My guess is that the knowledge and worship of the one true God was actually quite widespread. Stories of his work must have spread in the lore of the day...the miraculous destruction of Egypt...Jericho would have been awesome stories in a period of time so dependent on deities of some kind. Moses father-in-law, Jethro, was the priest of Midian prior to meeting Moses, right?
What a wonderful story our God has woven throughout history to convince us of his intentionality toward a relationship with us. I am quite sure no other faith can claim such a legacy.
