The Jews had maintained a godly identity in exile to the extent that there were gentiles who hated them and wanted God's people destroyed. We are in the world, but not citizens of the world. We are sojourners and should stand out. We are nomads looking for those who will make our tribe their tribe; our God their God. We do not mix with the world, we are set apart. Such isolation is good. It is not intentional, it is a byproduct of holy living and thinking. Serendipitous separation is a mark of God's people. The Anabaptists of old were hated and persecuted because the held to their convictions and lived what they taught. Can the same be said of us? Do we have the stamp of persecution? Matthew 5:11”Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of Me.”

Conclusion

The heart behind isolation determines its holiness or sinfulness. If one's heart is wrapped around self and protectionism then iniquity will abound. The righteous heart which serves God in a holy fashion will find itself separated from the world; isolated and ridiculed. The good heart will never shun fellow believers but the evil minded will fear contact from the faithful. Let us be holy and distinct from the world but never separated from our brothers.

As a self examination here are some questions:

Am I isolated? From whom; believers or the world?

Am I fearful or faithful?

Who is at the center of my plans, God or me?

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