R³ Devotional - Day 52

As we read about the case of blasphemy (cursing God) and punishment, it seems quite extreme by today’s standards.  But it shows how seriously God expects us to take our relationship with Him.  Often, we use His name in swearing or we act as though He doesn’t exist.  We should be careful how we speak and act, treating God with reverence.

Eventually, He will have the last word.  The punishment mentioned was actually a code for judges and not an endorsement of personal vengeance.  In effect, it was saying that the punishment should fit the crime, but it should not go beyond.  

Continuing in Chapter 25, the Sabbath year is specifically mentioned.  The Sabbath year provided one year in seven for the fields to lay fallow (unplowed).  This was good management of natural resources and reminded the people of God’s control and provision for them.  

Along with the Sabbath year, the Year of Jubilee was meant to be celebrated every 50 years.  It included canceling all debts, freeing all slaves, and returning to the original owners all land that had been sold.  There is no indication in the Bible that the Year of Jubilee was ever carried out.  If Israel had followed the practice faithfully, they would have been a society without permanent poverty.  

The people would one day possess land in Canaan, but in God’s plan, only God’s ownership was absolute.  He wanted His people to avoid greed and materialism.  If you have the attitude that you are taking care of the Lord’s property, you will make what you have more available to others.  This is difficult to do if you have an attitude of ownership.  Think of yourself as a manager of all that is under your care, not as an owner.

The Bible places great emphasis on assisting the poor and helpless, especially orphans, widows, and the handicapped.  In Israelite society, no paid work was available to women; thus a widow and her children had no livelihood.  Neither was there work available for the seriously handicapped in this nation of farmers and shepherds.  The poor were to be helped without charging any interest.  Individual and family responsibility for the poor was crucial since there was no government aid.
 
God said that neglecting the poor was a sin.  Permanent poverty was not allowed in Israel.  Financially secure families were responsible to help and house those in need.  Many times we do nothing, not because we lack compassion, but because we are overwhelmed by the size of the problem and don’t know where to begin.  God doesn’t expect you to eliminate poverty, nor does He expect you to neglect your family while providing for others.  He does however, expect that when you see an individual in need, you will reach out with whatever help you can offer, including hospitality.  

Why did God allow the Israelites to purchase slaves?  Under Hebrew laws, slaves were treated as human beings with dignity, and not as animals.  Hebrew slaves, for example, took part in the religious festivals and rested on the Sabbath.  Nowhere does the Bible condone slavery, but it recognizes its existence.  God’s laws offered many guidelines for treating slaves properly.

 These are 2 very interesting chapters which sum up some of the life back in those days.