Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:16-20.

“16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not engaged, and lies with her, he must pay a dowry for her to be his wife. 17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money equal to the dowry for virgins.

18 “You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

19 “Whoever lies with an animal shall surely be put to death.

20 “He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the Lord alone, shall be utterly destroyed.” Exodus 22:16-20.

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If it is understandable that a King demands allegiance to Himself and obedience to his laws, why is it so surprising that Almighty God would do likewise?!

In other words, our first reaction should not be rebellious: “How peculiar and how strict are these laws!”

Our first reaction should be: “The LORD is Almighty God, sovereign over heaven and earth.  He deserves sole allegiance and obedience to Himself.  The LORD demands it.  Let us pay close attention to His concern for virgins and that He does not tolerate sorcery and lying with an animal (and whatever else He demands), no matter how peculiar and strict.”

“10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied,

And years of life will be added to you.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself,

And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” Proverbs 9:10-12.

We may think that we are wise and do not need to obey God’s laws that we think are peculiar or outdated. We may think that we can just dismiss them out of hand. But, “If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”

But, we should start with the fear of the LORD. We should tremble at verse 20: ““He who sacrifices to any god, other than to the Lord alone, shall be utterly destroyed.”

Then, we should seek to know the LORD better through the diligent reading of His Word (“the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”) And, we don’t use a snippet of peculiar Scripture as an excuse to reject all of Scripture (and, on the other hand, we don’t use it to storm off for a “witch hunt”). We cross-reference the peculiar snippet of Scripture with other Scripture (such as Scripture that commands us to love our neighbor and to recognize that government alone has authority to bear the sword). We also distinguish ceremonial laws from moral laws. Finally, we realize that now that we are joined to Christ, we “serve in newness of the Spirit and not in oldness of the letter.” Romans 7:6.

“All Scripture (even Exodus 22:16-20) is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

In conclusion, through diligent study of Scripture, we will understand more and more the justice and the mercy of God’s laws. We will also obey them, and we will also wisely apply them in our own laws and policies and practices.