Sometimes when we read a Scripture passage, there’s a line, or even a single word, that stands out in a new way. It may be a familiar verse, but this time the impression it makes on us is deeper. As we sit and reacquaint ourselves with old, familiar passages, the Spirit often draws our attention to a particular word or idea to dwell on. Even if we’re brand new to reading Scripture, the Spirit can still work in this way, drawing our attention to what God knows we’re in a place to receive.
This experience happened to me today, while reading Deuteronomy chapter 25. In verse 3, Moses makes this statement after explaining how the Israelites were to settle disputes among them: “He may be flogged with forty lashes, but no more.” The part that stood out to me was the phrase “but no more.”
Here, we see instructions for carrying out a justice system before God, where those who are judged guilty receive a punishment equal to the extent of their crime (v.2). This is fair. This is just. Yet—and this is what surprised me—even the guilty are shown mercy by not having to endure more than they can bear or that could cause a degrading experience.
But this civil law shows there’s a difference between punishment and abuse. The guilty still bear the image of God. Because of this, God instructs Moses and the Israelites to preserve their dignity by withholding what might kill or humiliate. Most beautiful of all, we see in this passage that even the consequences of sin can’t stop God’s mercy from breaking through.
If you’re like me, at this point you might ask, “But don’t God’s people endure more than they can handle every day?” It’s true that overwhelming things still happen to people in this broken, sideways world. But what Deuteronomy shows us is a model for treating others with behavior that’s aligned with the heart of God. If we do this, we honor the Lord and “walk in his ways” (Deuteronomy 26:17). When Moses urges the Israelites to obey God’s commands, he reassures them that in trust and obedience, “you will be a holy people to the LORD your God as he promised” (v.19).
NADS, Heather Hahn and all others in need of pray am praying for you or the ones you mentioned. I know the sorrow of losing someone so close to you.
Taylor, I have the same problem. There are times when I don’t feel like reading my devotional, either “She Reads Truth” or “Portraits of Devotion” (I read SRT in the morning and the other at night) but I will hear this voice tell me to read it and sure enough it was something that would help me with what is going on in my life at that time.
@Marget your comment made me chuckle. I needed the laugh right now.
Nads, I’m so sorry. Lifting them in prayer.
Last night, I prayed to God over my confusion during a difficult season in my life. I have been processing my failures and grief over my failed marriage. God is good… this reading and truth is a blessing from God as it has parted the clouds of confusion. Thank you, Bailey Gillepsie, for following God’s guidance to write this article.
Definitely praying for all of them @heather hahn thanks so much for sharing so that we can pray for them
Hi, my sweet Sisters,
I have yet to do today’s reading because I read other things… including Danny’s wife telling us that he went to be the the Lord. Danny stopped breathing this morning and even the machine was supposedly struggling.
Now, our prayers are ALL for his 7 year-old son, his mother (who has seen more hardship than most in her life), his wife, sisters and the family. They have great faith and his wife started the message with 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 I pray they would only feel Jesus these days and that the enemy would not find a foothold.
Please continue to pray with me, Lovelies. God bless you. ❤️ May each of us be ready on that day.
OK….I didn’t triple or quadruple post. I don’t know what’s going on with the app. My apologies.