This morning, I continued my study of Leviticus using the Christ-Centered Exposition series commentary for this book - continuing chapter twenty-one - In God's Presence - covering Leviticus 24:1-23, looking specifically at the fourth theme for the chapter - We Respond to People Graciously. Here, the commentary theme for today examines Leviticus 24:17-23 and what Bible scholars refer to as the law of retaliation. While modern culture sees revenge as commonplace, often using the words written here by Moses (eye for eye, tooth for tooth, etc.), the commentary strongly encourages us to see justice as belonging to the Lord. The commentary states: "First, God did not give the authority of retaliation to individuals, but to all His people, the nation of Israel. The New Testament teaches the same truth--punishing lawbreakers is the role of the government, not individuals. Second, in the cultures surrounding Israel, "vicious revenge was the general rule". Laws like those in Leviticus 24 limited punishment and fitted punishment exactly to the crime. If someone injured another person, the guilty party was not put to death; he was made to suffer in some way that was equivalent.....Whatever the government may do in response to wrongdoing, individual followers of Jesus don't take revenge. We turn the other cheek....Jesus did not retaliate. Neither should we. The commentary refers us to the following scriptures to reinforce the point that "retaliation does not belong to individuals:
- Romans 13:1-7
- Matthew 5:38-41
- Romans 12:17-21
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For
rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no
fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. Pay
to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to
whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom
honor is owed. Romans 13:1-7
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You alone are judge and authority over all, including earthly authorities that You place in our lives. You are full of mercy and compassion for me as I know I have sinned and the wages of sin are death - yet You continue to spare me despite my sin - thank You Jesus! I am certainly not deserving of the grace You pour out on me...every single day. I have sin of worry, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
