Fairness and Mercy
Open Your Bible
Deuteronomy 25:1-19, Deuteronomy 26:1-19, Deuteronomy 27:1-8, Hebrews 10:11-23
BY Bailey Gillespie
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).
56 thoughts on "Fairness and Mercy"
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Oh my word, I cannot imagine. I’m praying for the little ones. Father God, I pray for these little children left behind. You are their father in heaven and on earth. Protect them in your warm and loving embrace. Comfort them in their small hearts. Hold their hand when they are alone. Please keep them all together as a family, and don’t let them be separated. If they must be, guide them back to each other. Please provide a safe place for them where they will be loved and cherished, as we know they are to you. They might not understand or fully process everything, so heal their scars, visible or invisible. Send your own children to minister to them in the way of relationships and family, that they would be surrounded by a body of people who reach out to care for them in tangible ways. And ultimately, bring them to yourself. Thank you for preserving them. Amen.
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Oh my word, I cannot imagine. I’m praying for the little ones.
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My sister-in-law was just let go from her job today due to time she has had to take off to care for her daughter or when she herself has been sick. Her husband (my brother) just died 3 months ago, and she is completely overwhelmed. Please pray that God will guide her to the right job soon and that she doesn’t feel abandoned by Him. Thank you.
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I love Jesus. Praise Jesus!
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Oh, my! So much pain! Prayers for these families.
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Praying for all the heartbreaking situations and requests here tonight. Praying for my decision for work and my daughter’s decision for school. Peace ladies.
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Every time that I read Deuteronomy, I am always surprised, happy, and comforted that God brought the Israelites out of slavery and into the promised land. It always reminds me of how He will always bring people out of the deepest, darkest pits, into His marvelous light. My family and I have been having a very rough week lately, and my mom is trying to hold onto her faith. But I know that God will bring us out of it. And I know that one day, my mom will see that God never left her. Thats why Im in love with Him! God never, ever forgets us.. and He really does loves us!
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My heart is so heavy for all of the prayer requests today. Lifting you all up in prayer, may God’s peace and comfort surround each of you as you walk through your individual journeys. Love you girls. xx
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