Read Leviticus 24:10-23
Here, the LORD is giving Moses examples of what to do to punish certain sinful behaviors. Was it an honor or a curse that God gave Moses the authority to bring justice to the people? I can certainly see the “fairness” in these laws. I wonder what sort of pushback Moses got. I’m sure people today would revolt.
God felt it necessary to set guidelines and establish criteria for handling circumstances that he knew would come up. The example he gave first was about blasphemy, showing disrespect for God. Of course, that is the most personally hurtful to God, so I can understand why he addresses it first. Were you surprised at the punishment? What if that was a law in effect for us today? There might not be many people still alive!
People still kill people, too. I think of the millions of babies who were never born. Their mothers did not end up being killed in return, as God’s justice here would have prescribed. I can’t imagine our justice system today going down that slippery slope either.
Another hot button issue is the death penalty. According to our reading, there is a Scriptural basis for taking the life of someone who has killed another. Yet, many people are opposed to the death penalty. Would the people in Moses’ day have been as vocal about this punishment?
We tell ourselves the justice being decreed here by God was only for his people, the Israelites. We also say Jesus came to change things up. That he did. But Jesus said in Matthew 5:17, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” Jesus never said the law should not be respected.
What Jesus does do is give an updated interpretation to several of the laws of Moses. In some cases, he amplifies the punishment or what constitutes disobedience (as in adultery). But the retaliation called for in our text, when it comes to an “eye for an eye,” etc., Jesus reverses. Instead of revenge, by turning the other cheek, Jesus encourages forgiveness.
As we walk through the book of Leviticus, it’s hard to know how to take some of these laws. These texts are hard. Jesus fulfills them, updates them, and expands them. Then we have our government’s constitutional and local laws to adhere to. All in the name of “justice.”
Laws are important to keep order and set boundaries. Challenges arise for believers when our Biblical laws are contradicted by our municipal and human laws. For me, being a follower of Jesus makes it easier to follow any law. Because of my devotion to him and awe for all he has done for me, I want to know his heart. I want to act in ways that please and honor him. Usually, that means I’m following the law on auto pilot.
Seeing the types of laws God put into place gives us a glimpse at the people’s tendencies in those days. Thousands of years have passed, but we still see some of the same behaviors playing out, don’t we? Why should we think that the laws of Moses are not for us? They were God’s precepts then, did he somehow change his mind? Knowing God’s word spoken through Jesus’ teaching is a great strategy for learning what’s important.
Jesus gave us two commandments that really sum up everything. Love God and love people. If we do a good job of those things, we won’t be murdering or stealing or committing adultery, etc., and don’t have to worry about any such punishments. Getting others to do the same would make this world a better, justice-filled place.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you with a grateful heart. You have created such a magnificent place for me. You always provide what I need. Thank you for the laws you put into place to help us understand what is important to you. Forgive me for times I fall short. I never want to disrespect you and am agonized when I hear others doing it. Shine your light through me to help others not get lost in the darkness of this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
