And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.
He that sacrificeth unto any god, save unto the LORD only, he shall be utterly destroyed. Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt. Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry; And my wrath shall wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. (Exo 21:23-25, 22:20-24)
In the midst of this series of civil laws for the People of Israel, GOD makes plain that civil punishment by the authorities is to fit the crime. It is not about revenge by the injured party, but proper justice by the ones whom GOD has given the responsibility of government. Then, as part of this list of civil ordinances, GOD reminds them of more reasons why these laws are given to the Israelites. GOD alone is GOD and He alone is to be worshipped. The Israelites were strangers in Egypt, and GOD cared for them and rescued them. He cares for those that have lost husbands and fathers, knowing they have lost the head of the household, as Our Father which art in Heaven.
Whether it is civil laws that should mete out justice without respecting persons and in accordance with the crime, or relating to one another properly, especially with those who have lost loved ones, GOD has a lot to say, and we should listen to His Word. GOD calls us to Holiness, and being His ambassadors in this world (but no longer of it), to preach Christ, and to live the Gospel we say we believe in. Knowing the Scriptures, rightly dividing the Word of Truth, and speaking the Truth in Love, we are to both show and tell Jesus Christ, Our Creator, Redeemer, and King to this lost and dying world.
Without our salt and light, this world speeds on its way to death in darkness and decay. We are to minister to the hurting around us, not just physical needs but spiritual as well, so that others see Jesus in us. We are to disciple one another, overcoming those things we did when we were lost, and learning new habits of holiness to replace them, as we grow in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We are commanded and commissioned to go and tell, and as we go, proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to those that will hear and believe, and in believing have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet
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