Highlights In Today's Reading:
Read about laws, rules, regulations, and responsibilities to help the Israelites fulfill the purpose of God to preserve the cleanliness, integrity, and holiness of the promised land.
When an Israelite built a house, he was required to put a railing around the flat roof to protect anyone from accidentally falling off the roof, which was often used as a sunporch or a patio. This was not an option, but was required. God had said: When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence (22:8). This railing, called a battlement, is symbolic of our responsibility to be our brother's keeper (Gen. 4:9).
If the Lord is that concerned in the building of a mere house to ensure the physical well-being of its neighbors, surely Christians should be concerned about making certain that their opportunities to help others are not overlooked.
This same principle of being concerned for the welfare of others is taught in the New Testament: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves (Rom. 15:1). This is also illustrated in the parable of our Lord concerning the rich man who ignored his responsibility to share his good things with Lazarus. Jesus said: There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame (Luke 16:19-24).
In addition to acts of charity, Christians will influence others by example in their conduct. It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak (Rom. 14:21).
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (James 4:17).
Thought for Today:
This world believes that it is "every man for himself." This selfish principle is never taught in the Word of God.
Christ Revealed:
Christ died on a cross in our place, submitting to the penalty of death imposed by the Law for our sins (Deut. 21:23). In the evening He was taken down from the cross, signifying the Law had been satisfied (John 19:31). Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the Law, being made a curse for us (Gal. 3:13).
Word Studies:
21:3 wrought =worked; 21:4 eared =ploughed; 21:5 stroke =assault; 21:12 pare =trim; 21:13 bewail =mourn; 21:15 hated =unloved; 22:3 hide thyself =avoid responsibility; 22:6 dam =mother; 22:8 battlement =guard rail; 22:9 divers =various kinds of; 22:14 maid =virgin; 22:15 damsel =young woman; 22:19 amerce =wine; 22:25 force =rape; 22:30 discover =uncover; 23:1 stones =testicles; 23:13 paddle =spade; 23:19 usury =interest.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Country: Comoros (563,000) in the Mozambique Channel of the Indian Ocean • Major languages: Shaafi Islam (Swahili dialect) and Malagasy • Limited religious freedom • 99.7% Muslim; .2% Roman Catholic/Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Pray in faith and the Lord will answer (Mark 11:24).
Optional Reading: Luke 23
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:12