Dignity, Justice, Mercy

"Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:" -Exodus 21.1

The Ten Commandments are God's standard of perfect living. They are His law that all of us are judged on. Later, in the New Testament, Jesus explains them as God really means them, showing that all of us are guilty of breaking the law. It is impossible for us to obey the law, and therefore we are all guilty. The law cannot save us, all it can do is show us how guilty we are, that's why Jesus came. But that's getting ahead of ourselves.

God, is teaching His people how to live. He starts with the standard, the foundation, the law, and from there He gives other rules on how to interact and exist in society. It is important to remember that the Bible was written to a non westernized, twenty-first century, American culture. The Bible was written thousands of years ago, to a middle eastern Jewish audience. As we look at things like slavery, laws about stoning, it is important to remember that we are not the original audience, and not place our own worldview on the text.

Verses 2-11 talk about slavery. There are things set in place by God so that a man would not be a slave forever, and standards of how female slaves are to be treated. God sees all people, even slaves, as people. Israel knew what it was like to be enslaved, and God instructs them not to treat their slaves in the same manner as the Egyptians.

Verses 12-36 talk about personal injuries. There is justice for wrongs committed, and mercy for accidents. God is about order, not chaos. When a wrong is done intentionally, or done with the knowledge that it has happened in the case of an animal, there is justice that must be carried out. But if the result is an accident, or no harm is done, then there is mercy. God does not punish people unnecessarily.

Men, as we set out to live in, lead, and work to change society, there are certain laws and standards we must live by. Without order, society falls apart. All lives, even those in the lowest social classes are valuable to God. They are to be treated with respect and dignity. We must also hold others accountable for the wrongs that are committed. We must seek justice, but also live with mercy. When a wrong is done we need to hold those responsible accountable. When mercy is warranted we need to give it.

Let us live with dignity, justice and mercy.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor