Passage
Deuteronomy 19:1-21 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Protecting the Innocent
Date: May. 1, 2017
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 19:10
1. Refuge from revenge (1-14)
These laws were given to transform Israel's society from one where mistakes and crimes were dealt with according to human passions, to a society where justice was dispensed according to the truth. Anyone who caused another's death accidentally could flee to a city of refuge and find safety from an angry avenger. In Jesus, we can take refuge from the condemnation of our sins.
2. Witnesses and justice (15-21)
These laws teach us the strict standard of truth that is necessary for real justice. No accused person could be condemned on the testimony of a single witness. Those who testify should know that they are doing so in the presence of the Lord. Being a false witness was to be treated as seriously as the crime itself. As Jesus taught, the saying "eye for eye, tooth for tooth" is not a ticket for us to take personal revenge but a command to practice justice in society without partiality.
Prayer: Father, thank you for Jesus, my refuge. May I not take revenge, but keep your standard of truthfulness with holy fear.
One Word: Justice comes from truthfulness, not revenge
