July 11

Journey-through-the-Bible-with-us

READING FOR JULY 11, 2024: EXODUS 22, 1 THESSALONIANS 5, PSALM 67                                    EXODUS 22 This chapter opens with crimes involving property rights. The major principle involved, as exemplified with the case of a stolen ox or sheep, is restitution. If the thief steals an ox and it isn’t found, he pays back 500% to the rightful owner. If a sheep, it’s 400%. Apparently, if this happens at dark and the thief is beaten to death while in the act, no fault is attributed to the owner. Otherwise, it is illegal to kill him.  If the animals are recovered, the amount charged the thief is 200%. As mentioned when slavery was discussed, a thief with no money becomes indentured.  “Restorative justice,” as it is called today, is increasingly practiced worldwide in this century. 

Some laws relate to damage or loss due to negligence. Other laws relate to damage or loss occurring when items are lent to neighbors. In these cases, a judge might need to decide whenever the facts about culpability are in dispute. In the matter of an animal who dies while hired out, restitution is made if the owner was not present at the time. No doubt, the nature of these laws incentivized behavior that would keep these problems from developing. 

Social laws penalized premarital sex. If a man seduces a virgin, he was required to offer to marry her and pay a dowry. If her father rejects the arrangement, the dowry must still be paid. Witchcraft, bestiality, and idol sacrifice were all punishable by death. Keep in mind this was a theocracy. The people of the nation (Israel)were all people of the same covenant faith (in the God of the Bible). 

While certain principles of restitution and punishment for major crimes apply well in contemporary contexts, others do not. The United States is not and was never a theocracy. Certain moral infractions cannot be made illegal, such as consensual sex, witchcraft, or sacrifices to idols for example. We as Christians should not seek to make the USA a Christian nation through political power. We as Christians must share the Gospel lovingly to everyone, though, in hopes that all would freely receive the gift of salvation and eternal life. 

Laws pertaining to orphans, widows, and aliens, however, do have principles applicable to our political and legal context and certainly to our church. God provides no penalty guidelines for mistreating these groups because He Himself pledged to kill whoever is guilty of these crimes—such is His passion on this topic. Imagine how displeased He is to see the suffering of people seeking to enter our country fleeing oppression and poverty. 

Among the final laws, we see God especially protective of the poor. In this case, no interest should be charged, nor other basic necessities taken from them. 

READING FOR JULY 11, 2024 CONTINUED:1 THESSALONIANS 5, PSALM 67                                            1 THESSALONIANS 5  Apparently in Paul’s three short weeks in Thessalonica, he covered aspects of the Jesus’s second coming because here it says they know the general outline of the timing. They know that they can’t exactly know. Yet, he directs them to be ready and alert to what’s going on—not spiritually asleep or drunk. He pulls out his spiritual warfare armor metaphor again from Ephesians as being one way to stay alert. He reminds them that, because they are saved, they will not experience God’s coming wrath and suggests they remind each other of this fact as a means of encouragement. Notice the clear inference about God’s wrath coming upon those who are not saved! 

Here are some additional tips to prepare for the difficult and uncertain days ahead:  

  • Respect and love those in spiritual leadership, especially those who instruct. Thank the Pastor.
  • Seek peace with everyone. Be a gossip stopper.
  • Get in the face lovingly and with patience of those causing trouble in the church. Check our motives.
  • Encourage those who are timid and uncertain in the faith to grow stronger. Invite to Sunday School.
  • Constantly pray for others, rejoice in our faith, and give thanks to God. Get/use the Prayer Calendar.
  • Do not quickly reject a prophetic statement, but examine it carefully, holding onto that which is good. 

Don’t assume a statement is true because it is said from the pulpit or appears in writing, ESPECIALLY THESE READING GUIDES. See if a statement is confirmed by God’s word!

PSALM 67 This beautiful opening quotes the magnificent blessing God gave to Aaron: “The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord cause His face to shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His face to you, And give you peace” (Num. 6:24-26). 

The Psalmist says this blessing is needed so that salvation will come to all the nations. That’s the best reason to seek and offer God’s blessings. Is the Psalmist’s desire for all nations to experience God’s joy, justice, and guidance our desire? The Psalmist says the God of all the universe is also his God. What a bold but true statement. Again, the Psalmist closes the Psalm by stating why God blesses us: “So that all the ends of the earth may fear Him.”

For those reading this study guide, receive this blessing: 

GOD BE GRACIOUS TO US AND BLESS US, AND CAUSE YOUR FACE TO SHINE UPON US.