RPG Adults
RELIABLE WITNESSES
LORD’S DAY, OCTOBER 24
Deuteronomy 19:15-21
1 Peter 2:13-17
“Submit yourselves
to every ordinance of man
for the Lord’s sake…”
RELIABLE WITNESSES
Deuteronomy 5:20, in the second giving of the Decalogue, says, “Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour,” i.e. do not tell lies. This is again a universal Law, but how many people lie every day? There is a need to promote the speaking of the truth, more so when bearing witness against another.
The settlement of any issue usually involves witnesses who can confirm the matter at hand. More so when a judgment has to be passed. It is in the Mosaic statutes as well as laws of natural justice that the testimony of one witness is not sufficient. There has to be two or three witnesses (Deut 19:15). Some witnesses may not be telling the truth and thus the need for diligent inquiry before any judgment is passed. If any bears a false witness, “the judges shall make diligent inquisition” (Deut 19:18). When found to have testified falsely, then the tables shall be turned against that false witness. He will have to suffer the consequences that he intended his brother to suffer. The understanding of Deuteronomy 19:21 (“…life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot”) is that every crime must receive a just judgment. The words may not be taken literally.
Any transgression of the Law of God is sin against God. God is the first Law-Giver and all good laws of man agree with His.
Private vengeance is forbidden. Any punishment must be carried out through judicial sentence. Jesus also submitted to the unjust sentence that false witnesses testified against Him. The judges must always exercise justice as required by the law. God’s children must not commit any crime. As for accidents, they are protected by the law. Trust in God and you will be free from the bondage of sin.
THOUGHT: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
PRAYER: Father, may I always live by the truth.