Isaiah 1:17
Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow. - Isaiah 1:17
These truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Do you know tht God endow us with certain rights. He spelled them out clearly when He gave the law to Moses, but He took a different approach than what the Founding Fathers used. Rather than listing the rights all men possess, God told Israel the right way to treat others. It's a distinction that makes a difference in our mindset. Our focus should be on treating others with love, not demanding that our own rights be met.
The first fifteen verses in our passage today summarize the fair way to compensate an owner for destroyed or stolen property, and in each case, a threefold pattern emerges. First, enough evidence must be found to judge the issue fairly. Second, the value of the property lost or stolen must be appreciated. Lastly, the party responsible must take action to make appropriate restitution, in some cases repaying more than what was lost (vv. 4, 5, 9).
The passage also informed Israel of the right way to worship God and the right way to love others. What stands out most within the context of this month's study is the particular way God commanded Israel to treat foreigners, widows, and orphans, people in circumstances of hardship or suffering. Verses 21 and 22 are, in effect, commandments of compassion. While there is no detailed list stipulating how these people should be cared for or accommodated, the law of God comes to their general defense. Again, anyone following the basic commandments of the heart to love God and others would have had no problem living up to the details listed in this passage.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Never underestimate the link between a person's property and the person himself. Showing love to your neighbor includes showing respect for your neighbor's possessions. If you're responsible for damage or loss to other people's property—from a mild trampling of a lawn to a major scratch on a car—be quick to make amends and be generous with your repayment. Try to think if there have been any instances you've overlooked. Even if admitting fault is embarrassing, it's an opportunity to show God's love. - Rev Alex
posted by I love Jesus! ! ! @ Monday, May 07, 2007
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