*Deuteronomy 25-26
Psalm 30
Mark 14
-Devotion by Emilee Christian (MO)
Our Scripture from Deuteronomy chapter 25 is part of a larger section subtitled “Miscellaneous Regulations” in Moses’ goodbye speech. It seems these were pithy statements that didn’t quite fit into his main message and so were added here towards the end of his sermon. To the modern day Christian, some of these statements definitely seem odd or extreme. When looking at Old Testament law, it is always important to examine the heart behind the law. I used to not enjoy the books of the law as they seemed extreme, sexist, and outdated. Since writing devotions for Seek Grow Love and being assigned Old Testament law scripture, I’ve come to have an appreciation for these passages. I approach these scriptures by asking: What can I learn about God’s character? What is important to Him? What does He detest? Often, the heart behind what many of these laws say is later reflected in the teachings of the Early Church. Let’s look at today’s reading as an example.
In Deuteronomy 25:1-3, there is a brief discussion on the rules of flogging. The purpose of these rules is to show that justice should not be cruel or greedy as the punishment is not meant to “publically humiliate” as described in verse 3 (NLT). In 1 Timothy 5:19-21, Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to deal with church conflict. These instructions similarly reflect that justice is not meant to be cruel or greedy, in that accusations are to be confirmed by multiple witnesses to prevent favoritism.
Deuteronomy 25:4 commands respect and fair treatment towards workers. This scripture is even quoted by Paul in 1 Timothy 5:17 to support the idea church leaders should receive pay or compensation for their service. Fair treatment is also encouraged in Ephesians 6:9 and Colossians 4:11 when Paul is instructing Christian masters how to treat their slaves.
I’ll admit, Deuteronomy 25:5-10 is a lot and very weird to us in our culture. Yet, the heart behind the matter was to encourage family responsibility. The whole sandal thing is meant to demonstrate how shame is brought upon those who do not care for their family. This idea is reflected in Paul’s teachings to Timothy in 1 Timothy 5:3-8:
3 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God. 5 Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. 6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism. 8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
God is not wanting us to marry our dead husband’s brothers. He is wanting us to take responsibility for family members in need.
Deuteronomy 25:11 & 12 reminded me of something my cat loving grandmother drilled into our heads growing up. There was often more than one cat living in her house and to protect us grandkids she always warned “Never get in between two fighting cats”. The take away from this law is mind your own business. Stay out of other people’s quarrels. The call to avoid disputes and quarrels is mentioned in many of Paul’s writings to the early church. Paul urges Timothy to avoid “foolish ignorant arguments that only start fights” (2 Timothy 2:23 NLT). Paul tells Titus believers should avoid quarrels and “be gentle and show true humility to everyone” (Titus 3:2 NLT). Later in verses 9-11 Pauls explains how quarrels cause division amongst the body and calls them a useless waste of time. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Paul instructs Christians to mind your own business. Sometimes we need to let people work things out on their own. Us getting involved may only make things worse. Obviously, this is not the case in all situations. Christians are certainly called to defend the weak and downtrodden. But let’s say you’re made aware of a feud between two coworkers. It may be best not to pick sides, that by gossiping about it with others you are only adding fuel to the fire. Or maybe you know of two family members on radically different sides of the political spectrum. You getting involved, forcing them to have conversations neither party is ready to have, is not the way to go. Try, as best you can, to live in peace and harmony with everyone, and prayerfully consider when it is time to get involved.
Deuteronomy 25:13-16 is pretty straight forward. Don’t cheat, don’t be dishonest. All throughout the New Testament Christians are called to live truthful, honest lives. This idea could not be made any clearer than in the story of Ananias and Sapphira and the swift punishment they received for stealing from the church.
Finally, the last bit of miscellaneous instruction calls for the destruction of the Amalekites. While this may seem like harsh judgment for a loving and merciful God, it’s worth noting why they are being punished. The Amalekites attacked those who were exhausted, weary, straggling behind the group trying to keep up as the Israelites made their exit from Egypt. Think about who these people were. When you see a large family walking together at the zoo, who is often in the back? It’s the small children with tired legs and grandparents with old legs. That’s who the Amalekites most likely attacked. The vulnerable. That’s why God is so angry with them, for God cares greatly for the downtrodden, the helpless, the victims. This same idea, offering care and protection to the weak, is carried throughout church culture. James specifically writes “Pure and genuine religion in the eyes of the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress” (1:27 NLT).
Let’s be real, Old Testament law is weird, confusing, and hard to relate to – at times. We are no longer in the business of offering animal sacrifices. However, when you take a further look behind the reasons for such laws, you begin to see how God remains unchanging throughout both Old and New Testaments. His desires and love for us remains the same.
Questions:
- How has conflict within your own church been handled in the past? Was it done in a godly just way? What about within your family? At your place of work? How can you personally ensure justice is served when conflicts do arise?
- Do you feel your boss treats you with respect? Are your needs met by your employer? If you are personally in charge of a group of people, do you act fair and just?
- Are there members of your family you should be caring for? We love our families, but sometimes things get forgotten in the day to day grind of life. Is there someone in your family who could use your help today, whether that be financially or emotionally?
- Why do you think God wants us to avoid petty conflict?
Prayer:
Dear God,
Every part of Your word is precious. Thank You for giving us a way to know You. Teach us to understand Your ways in all parts of scripture.
In your son’s name we pray,
Amen
Seek Grow Love 