PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Deuteronomy 23-24
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Remember that you were slaves in Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 24:22)
Jesus says that all of Moses’s laws hang on the command to love (Matthew 22:40).
Specifically, to “love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).
Another time Jesus summarizes the Law with the golden rule.
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
This is what Moses means when he reminds them that they were also slaves once.
‘You know what it is like; treat them as if they were you, as if you were them.’
Because of time and culture differences, it is hard to see love behind some laws.
When in doubt about a law, I assume there must be something I don’t get.
Fairness and compassion is for all, the foreigner and fatherless (24:17,20).
“That is why I command you to do this.” (Deuteronomy 24:22)
We are not under the specifics of the Moses Law, but one thing we are under.
Treat everyone with fairness and compassion, just as you want for yourself.
After all, this is how God treats us… treat them as you want God to treat you!
PRAYER
Lord, I do not appreciate all of Moses’s laws, but I do understand this call to love with fairness and compassion. Help me to treat EVERYONE like this.
Many of these laws make good sense – cleanliness, purity for worship/sacrifices – others more for fairness and respect – i.e., for Egypt, for Edom – but also retribution – for the Moabites and what they did to refuse Israel. What was Moses teaching? – I think to keep in mind that they are answerable to God for their behavior – and so are we. I’m glad I don’t have to think about all these laws – like checking a manual. Rather I thank God for the gift of the HS – He helps me to think and do in the right way! Thanks be to God!
Do this and live.
Treat others like you want to be treated.
The bottom line is love God AND love your neighbour as yourself.
Live for Jesus by your words and deeds. Be a servant. Be like Jesus in your daily living. Others needs to see Jesus in us.
1 I want to be like Jesus,
So lowly and so meek;
For no one marked an angry word
That ever heard him speak.
Refrain:
I want to be like Jesus,
God’s well beloved Son;
I want to be like Jesus,
The pure and holy One.
2 I want to be like Jesus,
So frequently in prayer;
Alone upon the mountain top,
He met his Father there. [Refrain]
3 I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good,
So that of me it may be said,
He hath done what he could. [Refrain]
4 Alas! I’m not like Jesus,
As any one may see;
Thy gentle Spirit, Savior, send,
And make me like to thee. [Refrain]