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Daily Scripture
 
"Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass."

Psalm 37:5

DINANGATS FIND THEY CAN'T FOLLOW LAW

Jeremiah gave Gary a mirror, so he could see by looking in the mirror just how dirty he really was.

March 19, 2008

by Dena McMaster

The Ten Commandments are doing exactly what God intended among the Dinangat people of Papua New Guinea.

The Law has become a mirror to show them their sin.

When the team of missionaries ministering to the Dinangats began teaching about the law, the people, much like the Israelites, said, "We will do whatever God says."

But they soon saw how impossible that is. Felix, language helper for missionary Ralf Schlegel, stood in front of the entire group and passionately confessed that he has broken these laws. He said that he thought he was a "good man" but now sees that he has broken God's law and he feels very small.

Last Friday, missionary Gary Smith used a very apt illustration to portray that lesson and make it even more clear. He stood up to teach with dirt covering his face. Ralf called out that his face was dirty. Gary replied, "No, it's not. I'm fine. I'm a good person."

Then missionary Jeremiah Markley gave Gary a mirror and it showed exactly what was there, and there was no denying the dirt that had been there all the time. Gary then tried to use the mirror to wash his face. It didn't work; the purpose of the mirror is not to wash away dirt but to bring it to light.

"God is really working in the hearts of the Dinangat people," wrote Jeremiah.

Jinongke said, "What's gonna happen to us? I'm really scared."

Yupete said, "I can't sleep and I can't work because I'm always thinking about God's talk."

Next week the Dinangat people will hear teaching about the rest of the Ten Commandments, the building of the Tabernacle, the worship of the golden calf, and the disbelief of the Israelites.

Pray that God will continue to convict the hearts of the Dinangats. Pray for the missionary team to teach God's Word in a clear and culturally appropriate manner so that the Dinangat people will soon understand God's message.