PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Numbers 35-36
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“What the tribe of the descendants of Joseph is saying is right.” (Numbers 36:5)
I find it interesting that laws are being developed along the way.
The more important heart of the Law is eternal (justice, mercy, faithfulness).
But the more specific laws are situational, based on specific circumstances.
Murder is wrong, but sometimes it is not intentional… build cities of refuge!
Intermarriage isn’t wrong, but if it causes inheritance problems… make exceptions!
Jesus says what matters most to God: “Justice, mercy and faithfulness.” (Matthew 23:23)
Many of the specific laws given by Moses were circumstantial and situational.
But they were temporal expressions of what mattered most: justice, mercy, faithfulness.
The bible isn’t a law book from heaven; it is God’s Law revealed in time and place.
Today we’re called to work out the implications and applications of God’s Law too.
Jesus explains what matters most with two commands: love God, love your neighbour.
He applies this situationally for example when he makes allowances on the sabbath.
Today we have many specific applications of the Law of Love, but they are not eternal.
Just like then, we have to adapt them to maintain justice, mercy and faithfulness.
PRAYER
Lord, your command is love (justice, mercy faithfulness). Our job with the Spirit’s help is to apply this to our current realities. Help us to obey God’s Law, not just our own rules.
Justice, fairness and mercy are all hallmarks of the law. It is not to be compromised by bribes or force of power. The innocent can have a place of refuge as provided by the cities of refuge. Revenge was and still is a motivator for murder. In a sinful world justice is easily manipulated especially by the rich and powerful – I’ve seen too much of that. There are many despots in power today who rule by might, not by justice or what’s right. Lord help me to discern and not accept the status quo – but to always strive for what is right and fair and what is gracious and merciful. Thank you Lord Jesus, you as prince of peace, modeled it for us – help us to follow in your footsteps.
The Lord gave commands on how to live through Moses. No matter where we live, The Lord dwells among His people then and still does today. We/I need to obey God’s laws. As His people then received a place to live to serve Him, so today wherever I live I need to serve Him. All what I owe I owe to Him. And I still have His law written upon my heart – serve Him! Love God. Love one another. The Gospel in one word is love.
Love, love, love, love
The Gospel in a word is Love
Love your neighbour as yourself
Love, love, love