Day 40, February 9, 2021
Scriptures: Exodus 21-22, 1 Peter 3 We have made it to day 40 in our journey though scripture. Thank you for joining in the journey so far! In today’s reading we see in Exodus, “But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” (Exodus 21:23-24) This law was revolutionary in it’s time. I asked a group of 6th graders who were studying ancient law, their opinion over the "eye for eye and tooth for tooth" law. Every single one of them determined that it was an unfair law. 6th graders, probably aren’t the best people to weigh in on matters of good laws and bad ones. But for the ancient Israelites, this law would separate them from other nations. What seems harsh to us, is in actuality a merciful law that restricted retaliation. Instead of elevating the response to wrongs, this restricted violence from growing beyond those who were originally harmed. As we look at the rest of 21-22, we see a theme develop. God is interested in protecting life and keeping the dignity for all of life. Slaves, they are set free in the 7th year. And women and children are not forgotten in God’s economy. Everyone matters and has a quality of life. In 1 Peter, we see the trajectory the mercy of God displayed in Exodus, now expands here to Christianity and how we treat everyone. “Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing…. Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? …But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. (1 Peter 3:8-9,13, 15) While the way the Israelites were called to live became a blessing to the world, we see that the church, in its love for one another is an even greater blessing. The law of Christ, shapes us to be a loving people who share with the world the blessings of God. You are blessed to be a blessing! Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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