Today’s devotion comes from Deuteronomy 24:6-22. Here is a link to this Scripture – https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2024&version=NASB1995
I quote only the following verses.
“6 “No one shall take a handmill or an upper millstone in pledge, for he would be taking a life in pledge.
12 If he is a poor man, you shall not sleep with his pledge. 13 When the sun goes down you shall surely return the pledge to him, that he may sleep in his cloak and bless you; and it will be righteousness for you before the LORD your God.
14 “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your countrymen or one of your aliens who is in your land in your towns. 15 You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; so that he will not cry against you to the LORD and it become sin in you.
17 “You shall not pervert the justice due an alien or an orphan, nor take a widow’s garment in pledge.
19 “When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 24:6 and 12-15 and 17 and 19.
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Verse 15 (“You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun sets, for he is poor and sets his heart on it; …) reminds me of the kindness shown to me a long time ago when I was a young, poor attorney just getting started in my work and trying to support my family. Whenever I rendered service for Jim, President of a busy real estate company, even though he could mail a check to me, Jim immediately told his secretary to make out a check, and he waited for the check, so that he could hand the check to me.
Some of these various laws may seem unusual. For example, in verse 6, a handmill or an upper millstone is used to make food. Thus, it does make sense if a creditor took it away then the creditor would take away the means of life.
Generally, these various laws help us to understand what is righteous behavior in the eyes of the LORD. We should show concern for the poor, do justice and lovingkindness, and live pure and holy lives.
“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8.
“do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. … But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:13 and 17-18.
“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10.
But, there is hope!
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
Christ “… gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” Titus 2:14.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10.
“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13.
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 