Passage
Exodus 21:12-36 (ESV)
Go, Stand, and Tell the Words of Life
Acts 5:17-42
Key Verse: 5:20
Living in God's Justice Protects Us
Date: Jan. 6, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 21:13
First, God curbs our propensity to violence (12-34). In 1400 B.C. the world was very violent. There were assaults, damage to property and people being injured by someone else's unruly animal. But God gave laws to protect people from violence and exploitation. God's law set a standard for justice. We see the mercy of God in his instituting cities of refuge. God's laws also strike a balance between the rights of the injured and the rights of those who cause it. For example, God's justice does not allow for undue retaliation, preventing cruel punishments. God knows the value of human life and provides laws to preserve life. He cares.
Second, God protects the falsely accused (35-36). God's laws protected slaves and those dragged though the court system, falsely accused. God is fair. The poorest and the rich and powerful were all subject to God's justice. If we are to be called his people, we need to reflect his justice and fairness in our dealings with others.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing laws for a safe, equitable society. Your word is a light in a dark world.
One Word: God cares about justice
