RPG Adults
LAWS OF FAIR TREATMENT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Deuteronomy 24:10-22
John 15:12-17
“These things I command you,
that ye love one another.”
LAWS OF FAIR TREATMENT
The Lord wanted Israel to have a harmonious society where everyone was given a fair treatment. Rewards and punishments were given in equal measure. Employers were commanded not to oppress their hired servants. Both Israelites and strangers were to be treated equally. Their wages must be paid before sunset because they were poor and that was their bread. When they cried to the Lord against the employer, it would be sin to the person who withheld their pay. In pursuit of justice, the fathers would not be punished for the sins of the children, neither the children for the sins of the parents. Everyone must carry his own cross. Strangers, the fatherless and widows must be given fair treatment in judgment. Having had the harsh experience of being strangers in Egypt, they therefore should not subject others to cruel treatment.
The last law here (Deut 24:19-22) relates to the harvest fields. It is God who waters all the fields that the crops may yield good fruit. If the sheaves were forgotten in the field, the owner should not go back for them but leave them for the poor to glean. The same applied to olive fruits and grapes. Those not gathered were left for the fatherless and widows. This was a means which God used to provide for those in need. Jesus spoke of the Heavenly Father feeding the birds of the air and giving beauty to the flower and clothing the grass of the field. In equal measure, He will also feed and clothe those who do not have worldly goods. This law is one means that He uses.
God created man as a moral being; the laws given here were needed to guide Israel in the new land. The people, the priests and judges were guided by God to create an orderly nation. God is not an author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33), but He is orderly. Jesus says that we love Him when we keep His commandments (John 14:15). He gave His life to pay for our sins. Submit to Him and have an orderly life that is pleasing to our Lord.
THOUGHT: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
PRAYER: Father, may the counsel of Scripture guide me.