SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 25
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ [Deuteronomy 19:25] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. [Matthew 18:15-17]
The Law of Moses gave Israel a social order and justice system.
Throughout the Law, the concern for justice and mercy is evident (in some laws more obvious than others).
In that code justice includes capital punishment, and the “eye for an eye” principle.
Here we see the court system, led by the judges, meting out justice.
Society needs this kind of justice, government needs to address violence and crime.
The courts need to acquit the innocent and condemn the guilty.
But what about in the church?
Though churches need some form of discipline, we ought not to transfer the social code to the church order.
Yes, we speak for justice, and urge the government to do what is right.
But when dealing with concerns in the church, we ought to go beyond justice.
Jesus talks about dealing with a brother that sins against us.
First of all, notice that Jesus uses Deuteronomy 19:25 from the Law of Moses.
He also suggests going to the elders, and allowing them to decide.
The final verdict, if the person does not repent, is to treat them as a pagan or tax collector.
Now in the Law of Moses, such a person would be rejected and condemned.
But think about Jesus, how did He treat the pagans and the tax collectors?
They were the objects of His special love and concern.
He went out of His way to help, to bless, to forgive, to save them.
Jesus goes beyond the “eye for an eye” principle and advocates love for enemies, blessing those who curse us, forgiving those who wrong us, sharing with those who steal from us.
Its radically different from the Law of Moses; not contrary but beyond it.
Justice alone cannot restore order – we would all die if it were justice alone.
Mercy bypasses justice, forgives and restores the sinner, offers hope to the hopeless, grace to the graceless.
As a Jesus-follower, am I going beyond seeking justice?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be like You – not demanding my fair share, but demonstrating fairness and sharing, mercy and love.
‘For the Lord your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.’ In all things, serve the Lord. It is Christ Jesus you are serving and not you yourself!
Whether the lineage rights, threshing the crop, disputes, trade, etc. do all of it in the name of the Lord. Once again, in my daily living I am reminded of Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
That is my marching order for this day that He has created. Living for Jesus.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Refrain