Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:1-14. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2022&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“If a man steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it, he shall pay five oxen for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.
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If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.
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“If a fire breaks out and spreads to thorn bushes, so that stacked grain or the standing grain or the field itself is consumed, he who started the fire shall surely make restitution.
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“If a man gives his neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep for him, and it dies or is hurt or is driven away while no one is looking, an oath before the LORD shall be made by the two of them that he has not laid hands on his neighbor’s property; and its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make restitution. But if it is actually stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. If it is all torn to pieces, let him bring it as evidence; he shall not make restitution for what has been torn to pieces.
“If a man borrows anything from his neighbor, and it is injured or dies while its owner is not with it, he shall make full restitution. If its owner is with it, he shall not make restitution; if it is hired, it came for its hire.” Exodus 22:1, 4, 6, and 10-14.
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Restitution is another pillar of justice, particularly for property damage.
We also see the application of another pillar of justice which is proportionate punishment according to the severity of the crime or offense. For property damage, the more severe the offense, the more restitution is required.
But, there is hope!
So to speak, restitution appeases the anger of the victim against the offender so that the victim will forgive the offender and not try to take personal vengeance and try to injure or even kill the offender.
“Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:8-9.
Restitution also leads us to consider and appreciate redemption which is similar. Like restitution, Christ’s redemption through His blood appeased the anger of God against offenders and God forgave the offenders.
“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”. Ephesians 1:7.
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