2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE LAW OF DEBTS AND RELEASE OF CREDIT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5
Deuteronomy 15:1-6
1 Timothy 6:6-11
“But godliness with
contentment is great gain.”
THE LAW OF DEBTS AND RELEASE OF CREDIT
The Lord wanted Israel to live in peace among themselves and keep the law of love. Debts could be one of the issues that contributed to lack of peace in the neighbourhood. It was thus necessary to have a law that guided and brought harmony in such matters. The laws that governed everyday life were needful for peaceful co-existence and in the worship of the Lord.
The law required that creditors release their debtors from their debt every seven years or sabbatical year. This year was also important because even the land was given rest, and there was no planting. As for debts, each creditor was required to release his debtors and not ask for repayment. There is wisdom in this law in that when a poor person cannot repay his debt for a long time, it means that he has no ability to do so. When the debtor is unable to pay and the creditor keeps demanding, there will be disharmony. When the creditor releases the debt, there is love and relief.
The Lord saw it necessary to put a law in place that would help to sustain good relations in the nation. This law, however, did not apply to strangers, so repayment of the debt may be exacted from the stranger-debtor. The reason for this is that a stranger may use pretence to defraud the creditor. Moreover, as a stranger, he would not be able to offer security for that debt. And also, as a stranger there would be no acrimony due to the debt. When the neighbourhood does not have any poor, then the law does not apply. This law of debt-release was a safety net that opened a door for those who are blessed with plenty to help the poor. Moses added that Israel should carefully hear the voice of the Lord and observe His commandments. He was greatly concerned that the children of Israel would be tempted to transgress the Law of God. This principle of debtrelease must be adhered to.
THOUGHT: The love of money is always very strong in the hearts of people who live after the flesh.
PRAYER: Father, may I love my brethren in need, and may my heart be free from the love of money.