Justice

Deuteronomy 24-27

How specific God is here! He gave such detail to ensure justice, that His law was followed fairly and exactly for all. Have you ever noticed sometimes when you give specific information, some will say it’s too detailed, yet if you’re broad in direction, they say you didn’t give enough information? I think God felt specifics were quite important in this instance! He found with His chosen nation it was important to be just and fair in their dealings with family and neighbors. He is guaranteeing the expectations and fairness be for all.

When I was teaching, one of the things our principal had us do at the start of each year was teach the school rules and consequences in class. We even included random handbook questions on our quizzes throughout the year! Interestingly enough, we rarely had discipline issues. The students knew the  expectations, as well as the consequences if rules were broken.  Of course, that also required consistency from the teachers. I don’t think God’s children had to worry about that from Him! The point is, He instilled the precedence of personal integrity and justice within all His people. It meant He valued everyone.

How is that meaningful for us today? It was important to God then, must it be important today, as well? The obvious answer—of course it is.  We can think about how we treat those overlooked around us, the vulnerable. The word vulnerable is described as a state of being defenseless, exposed to danger, or susceptible to criticism. Wow, that can describe almost everyone at some point in time, right? I know, I know, we can’t constantly be Superman out there defending the weak and helpless!! But we can all see a person hurting, needing encouragement, or just wanting to be heard and prayed for. Someone in our circle of influence may need a few groceries this week, help getting kids picked up or to appointments, a seeker of advice or a sounding board for a difficult situation at work or home. Maybe someone near to you is struggling with making their personal life reflect their public faith. Our circles of influence are filled to overflowing with opportunities.

Just a few words about Psalm 61, please indulge me!!  What a beautiful and peaceful psalm of comfort and care! Look at these wonderful words within this psalm:  towering rock of safety, safe refuge, fortress, sanctuary, safe beneath the shelter of your wings. Could we be any more protected and valued!! “The Rock of Safety.” It makes me remember how our kids and grandkids as newborns would draw into that sweet “cuddle place” of our arms and body. They were safe, warm, loved, protected. That’s what our Rock, the Father, does for us every day! What a precious gift and a loving Protector!! Thank you, dear Father!