Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:28-35.
“28 “If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall surely be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall go unpunished. 29 If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death. 30 If a ransom is demanded of him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is demanded of him. 31 Whether it gores a son or a daughter, it shall be done to him according to the same rule. 32 If the ox gores a male or female slave, the owner shall give his or her master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
33 “If a man opens a pit, or digs a pit and does not cover it over, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the owner of the pit shall make restitution; he shall give money to its owner, and the dead animal shall become his.
35 “If one man’s ox hurts another’s so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide its price equally; and also they shall divide the dead ox. 36 Or if it is known that the ox was previously in the habit of goring, yet its owner has not confined it, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead animal shall become his.” Exodus 21:28-35.
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We go from Ordinances covering punishment for personal injuries to Ordinances covering restitution for property rights. Justice concerns itself with both subjects.
Again, in today’s age, we do not come across property rights involving an ox or a donkey, but hopefully we can appreciate the wise distinctions that justice makes in assessing restitution. This also is similar to proportionate punishment. Restitution is proportionate to the severity of the violation of a property right.
But, more important than the subject of restitution is the subject of redemption. The focus of this daily devotion is the introduction of the subject of redemption in verse 30.
Redemption involves sufficient payment to cover the debt owed and to restore something to someone. We see even from today’s Scripture that redemption can be costly. “If, however, an ox was previously in the habit of goring and its owner has been warned, yet he does not confine it and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death. If a ransom is demanded of him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is demanded of him.” Verses 29 and 30. Emphasis is added.
But, redemption of a soul from going to hell due to one’s sins is even more costly.
“7 No man can by any means redeem his brother
Or give to God a ransom for him—
8 For the redemption of his soul is costly,
And he should cease trying forever—
9 That he should live on eternally,
That he should not undergo decay.” Psalm 49:7-9.
But, there is hope!
“O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption.” Psalm 130:7.
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,” Luke 1:68.
“being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” Romans 3:24.
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption,” 1 Corinthians 1:30.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 