Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:14-19.

“14 “Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me. 15 You shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread; for seven days you are to eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the appointed time in the month Abib, for in it you came out of Egypt. And none shall appear before Me empty-handed. 16 Also you shall observe the Feast of the Harvest of the first fruits of your labors from what you sow in the field; also the Feast of the Ingathering at the end of the year when you gather in the fruit of your labors from the field. 17 Three times a year all your males shall appear before the Lord God.

18 “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread; nor is the fat of My feast to remain overnight until morning.

19 “You shall bring the choice first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God.

“You are not to boil a young goat in the milk of its mother.” Exodus 23:14-19.

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We see the celebration of feasts as a part of Israel’s worship of God in today’s Scripture. We later see the celebration of feasts as part of our worship of God in heaven.

These feasts remind us that God loves us and provides lavishly for us. God wants His people to be joyful, thankful, and to praise Him.

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son.” Matthew 22:2.

“The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet for all peoples on this mountain;

A banquet of aged wine, choice pieces with marrow,

And refined, aged wine.” Isaiah 25:6.

We also remember Jesus’ first miracle turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana, a type of feast. John 2:1-11. “This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” John 2:11.

In a sense, the Lord’s Supper is a feast. “… For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed. Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.

“In Him (Christ) we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us.” Ephesians 2:8.

And so, in the beginning, in the middle, and in the end, we have feasts to remind us of the riches of God’s grace which He lavished on us.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:10-13.

“10 “You shall sow your land for six years and gather in its yield, 11 but on the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, so that the needy of your people may eat; and whatever they leave the beast of the field may eat. You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.

12 “Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you shall cease from labor so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves. 13 Now concerning everything which I have said to you, be on your guard; and do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth.” Exodus 23:10-13.

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God is concerned about the needy, the beast of the field, the children of slaves, and the stranger. God provides for them.

“5 Who is like the Lord our God,

Who is enthroned on high,

6 Who humbles Himself to behold

The things that are in heaven and in the earth?

7 He raises the poor from the dust

And lifts the needy from the ash heap,

8 To make them sit with princes,

With the princes of His people.

9 He makes the barren woman abide in the house

As a joyful mother of children.

Praise the Lord!” Psalm 113:5-9.

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“7 Who executes justice for the oppressed;

Who gives food to the hungry.

The Lord sets the prisoners free.

8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind;

The Lord raises up those who are bowed down;

The Lord loves the righteous;

9 The Lord protects the strangers;

He supports the fatherless and the widow,

But He thwarts the way of the wicked.

10 The Lord will reign forever,

Your God, O Zion, to all generations.

Praise the Lord!” Psalm 146:7-10.

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“23 Who remembered us in our low estate,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting,

24 And has rescued us from our adversaries,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting;

25 Who gives food to all flesh,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven,

For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” Psalm 136:23-26.

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“7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving;

Sing praises to our God on the lyre,

8 Who covers the heavens with clouds,

Who provides rain for the earth,

Who makes grass to grow on the mountains.

9 He gives to the beast its food,

And to the young ravens which cry.” Psalm 147:7-9.

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;” Colossians 3:12.

“Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 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 6:9-10.

“Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner.” John 5:19.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:4-9.

“4 “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey wandering away, you shall surely return it to him. 5 If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying helpless under its load, you shall refrain from leaving it to him, you shall surely release it with him.

6 “You shall not pervert the justice due to your needy brother in his dispute. 7 Keep far from a false charge, and do not kill the innocent or the righteous, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 “You shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the clear-sighted and subverts the cause of the just.

9 “You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Exodus 23:4-9.

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We should not oppress, subvert, or pervert justice (verses 6-9). But, we should do more than just not do evil. We should do good and show mercy (verses 4-5).

We will focus on the mercy meaning of verses 4-5. Although we are not likely to come across an ox or donkey needing our help, the meaning and application for us that we will comes across people who are burdened and need our help to release or lighten their burden.

God heard the groanings of the sons of Israel and had mercy on them and brought them out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

“Furthermore I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” Exodus 6:5-7.

God has mercy on us today and bears our burdens.

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.” Psalm 55:22.

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden, The God who is our salvation. Selah.” Psalm 68:19.

We should likewise show mercy and bear one another’s burdens.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 23:1-3.

“1 You shall not bear a false report; do not join your hand with a wicked man to be a malicious witness. 2 You shall not follow the masses in doing evil, nor shall you testify in a dispute so as to turn aside after a multitude in order to pervert justice; 3 nor shall you be partial to a poor man in his dispute.” Exodus 23:1-3.

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“You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great, but you are to judge your neighbor fairly.” Leviticus 25:15.

By far, most of the time, the problem is with people being partial to the great and the rich. Scripture is filled with such examples. Here is just one example.

“1 Woe to those who enact evil statutes

And to those who constantly record unjust decisions,

2 So as to deprive the needy of justice

And rob the poor of My people of their rights,

So that widows may be their spoil

And that they may plunder the orphans.” Isaiah 10:1-2.

But, today’s Scripture teaches us that we should also not be partial to the poor.

So to speak, we don’t join Robin Hood and his band of merry men to rob from the rich and give to the poor.

“Social justice” (of “the ends justify the means”) is not justice. We should not be partial to the poor in a dispute that should be decided justly.

We can and should help the poor, but to do so, we don’t “bear a false report” nor “pervert justice” nor ” be partial to a poor man in his dispute.” Verses 1-3.

“The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor, The wicked does not understand such concern.” Proverbs 29:7. But, the righteous is not partial to the poor so as to pervert justice.

“If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8-9.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:28-31.

“28 “You shall not curse God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

29 “You shall not delay the offering from your harvest and your vintage. The firstborn of your sons you shall give to Me. 30 You shall do the same with your oxen and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days; on the eighth day you shall give it to Me.

31 “You shall be holy men to Me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh torn to pieces in the field; you shall throw it to the dogs.” Exodus 22:28-31.

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“But, what about our ruler!”: some may interject. “He deserves to be cussed out!!”

Today’s Scripture directly and strongly answers: “No. You shall not curse a ruler of your people.”

Specifically, “First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

“Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:1-7.

Generally, “bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28.

In summary, instead of cursing, we give prayers, subjection, and honor to our rulers.

The foregoing Scripture also gives us reasons to do so: “that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” 1 Timothy 2:2. “For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God”; “rulers are servants of God”. Romans 13:1 and 6. A ruler is “a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil.” Romans 13:4.

In summary, justice is delivered to us by our rulers.

Therefore, “Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.” Romans 13:7.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:21-27.

“21 “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. 22 You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. 23 If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; 24 and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to My people, to the poor among you, you are not to act as a creditor to him; you shall not charge him interest. 26 If you ever take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, you are to return it to him before the sun sets, 27 for that is his only covering; it is his cloak for his body. What else shall he sleep in? And it shall come about that when he cries out to Me, I will hear him, for I am gracious.” Exodus 22:21-27.

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God is gracious. God cares about the strangers, widows, and orphans. God’s laws reflect His gracious character.

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
Yes, our God is compassionate.
The Lord preserves the simple;
I was brought low, and He saved me.”  Psalm 116:5-6.

We too should be gracious. We should care about the strangers, widows, and orphans. Our laws, policies, and practices should reflect our gracious character.

First, we can start by being good friends, good husbands, and good fathers. Accordingly, there won’t be so many strangers, widows, and orphans.

Second, we can at least not take advantage of the weakness of strangers, widows, and orphans. We at least do not “afflict” them (even if we won’t help them).

Third, we should do more; we should reach out to others to help them. “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” James 1:27.

We become “Good Samaritans”.

“And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:25-37.

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.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 22:1-15.

“1 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.

2 “If the thief is caught while breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there will be no bloodguiltiness on his account. 3 But if the sun has risen on him, there will be bloodguiltiness on his account. He shall surely make restitution; if he owns nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If what he stole is actually found alive in his possession, whether an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double.

5 “If a man lets a field or vineyard be grazed bare and lets his animal loose so that it grazes in another man’s field, he shall make restitution from the best of his own field and the best of his own vineyard.

6 “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.

7 “If a man gives his neighbor money or goods to keep for him and it is stolen from the man’s house, if the thief is caught, he shall pay double. 8 If the thief is not caught, then the owner of the house shall appear before the judges, to determine whether he laid his hands on his neighbor’s property. 9 For every breach of trust, whether it is for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any lost thing about which one says, ‘This is it,’ the case of both parties shall come before the judges; he whom the judges condemn shall pay double to his neighbor.

10 “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, 11 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. 12 But if it is actually stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 13 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.

14 “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. 15 If its owner is with it, he shall not make restitution; if it is hired, it came for its hire.” Exodus 22:1-15.

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Justice may be blind in the sense of it being impartial, but justice is very sharp and wise in observing, determining factual distinctions, and applying appropriate punishments.

As we cover property rights, we see justice’s continued concern for factual distinctions. Justice is not in a rush to blindly punish on the basis of “one punishment fits all violations of a property right”. As with ordinances covering personal injuries, we continue to see proportionate punishment based on the severity of the crime, and within each type of crime, we see various punishments (restitutions) based on factual distinctions.

By wisdom kings reign, And rulers decree justice.

“1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel:

2 To know wisdom and instruction,

To discern the sayings of understanding,

3 To receive instruction in wise behavior,

Righteousness, justice and equity;” Proverbs 1:1-3.

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“6 For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,

8 Guarding the paths of justice,

And He preserves the way of His godly ones.

9 Then you will discern righteousness and justice

And equity and every good course.” Proverbs 2:6-9.

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“12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,

And I find knowledge and discretion.

13 “The fear of the Lord is to hate evil;

Pride and arrogance and the evil way

And the perverted mouth, I hate.

14 “Counsel is mine and sound wisdom;

I am understanding, power is mine.

15 “By me kings reign,

And rulers decree justice.

16 “By me princes rule, and nobles,

All who judge rightly.” Proverbs 8:12-16.

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.

Today’s devotion comes from Exodus 21:12-25.

“12 “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. 13 But if he did not lie in wait for him, but God let him fall into his hand, then I will appoint you a place to which he may flee. 14 If, however, a man acts presumptuously toward his neighbor, so as to kill him craftily, you are to take him even from My altar, that he may die.

15 “He who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

16 “He who kidnaps a man, whether he sells him or he is found in his possession, shall surely be put to death.

17 “He who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

18 “If men have a quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but remains in bed, 19 if he gets up and walks around outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall go unpunished; he shall only pay for his loss of time, and shall take care of him until he is completely healed.

20 “If a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod and he dies at his hand, he shall be punished. 21 If, however, he survives a day or two, no vengeance shall be taken; for he is his property.

22 “If men struggle with each other and strike a woman with child so that she gives birth prematurely, yet there is no injury, he shall surely be fined as the woman’s husband may demand of him, and he shall pay as the judges decide. 23 But if there is any further injury, then you shall appoint as a penalty life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.” Exodus 21:12-25.

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Today’s Scripture, summarized by the last three verses, teaches us that proportionate punishment must be in our laws. Punishment should be proportionate to the severity of the crime.  And yet, many misuse these phrases such as “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” as just an excuse for their personal vengeance.

Jesus said: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:38-42. In other words, Jesus was teaching us that even though we have the legal right according to justice to obtain a proportionate restitution or punishment, we should forgive and show mercy and love those who wrong us.

But, Jesus’ words do not eliminate the need for society to enact laws based on proportionate punishment. Laws should give Judges discretion to show mercy at times when the specific facts warrant it according to their judgment, but at a minimum floor of justice (so to speak), laws should not force Judges to punish beyond what is proportionate for the crime.

However, we live in a time when laws are promoted by Christians which are basically “one size fits all”. There are laws which give a mandatory minimum punishment no matter what the facts are. These laws take away discretion from the Judges in the false name of “Law and Order”.

Let us remember that “Law and Order” (or similar terms) was used by wicked tyrants to justify their claimed absolute right to do whatever they wanted to do.

“Law and Order” should be just. “Law and Order” should be based on the cornerstone of proportionate punishment.

And yet, we see “the religious right” at the forefront of the push to enact laws that go away from proportionate punishment. These people who claim to be Christians, and who do so, are cruel, not just.

There is a pressure on Christians to be more politically motivated to be within such a political group of “the religious right” allegedly fighting for “Law and Order” than to be spiritually motivated to understand what Scripture teaches about justice and mercy and to promote laws that best show justice and mercy.

Therefore, when we read today’s Scripture, even though its ordinances do seem strange and impractical, let us work hard to glean basic principles of justice such as proportionate punishment.