Justice

(Today's reading - Numbers 35, Deut. 19, Exodus 19)

A nation must have laws. Its' citizens must have a code of conduct and an understanding of the penalties involved when this code is violated. In our society we call it our justice system. It involves laws that when broken require some form of punishment. The nation of Israel was no different. God was their ruler and as such provided them with a very clear and concise set of laws that they were to live under. In addition, He provided the punishment that each violation of the law required. That is justice.

“Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death." (Exodus 21: 12-14) We know that the Ten Commandments included a prohibition of killing. Clear enough, but what about an accidental killing? God provided clarification for His people so that His commands became the law of the land. Without additional details, any killing would result in the same punishment. What about the killing that the Israelites had to commit to take the promised land? He gave His people civil and criminal laws that would enable them to function as a society.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have focused on sin and the required sacrifices to deal with each persons sin. The Israelites had the spritiual "justice system" that  they were to comply with as His people. You might ask "isn't that enough"? God makes a distinction between sin that is between us and Him and sin that harms others. Yes, sin is sin, I understand that, but when our sin harms others, justice demands a penalty be paid. When our sin is between us and God, that penalty is paid throught the shedding of blood. When our sin effects others, the spiritual penalty has been paid, but there is an additional penalty that is prescibed by law. As much as possible, restitution is to be made.
As Christians, the blood penalty for our sin has been paid by our Savior, Jesus. We no longer take the livestock to the alter. Jesus paid it all! Once and for all. "He isn't like the other high priests. They need to offer sacrifices day after day. First they bring offerings for their own sins. Then they do it for the sins of the people. But Jesus gave one sacrifice for the sins of the people. He gave it once and for all time. He did it by offering himself." (Hebrews 7:27) What a blessing for you and me!

Today we live under the laws of our land. We are subject to the penalties prescribed by our laws when we break those laws. As Christians, we should go a step further. We are Gods' representatives and as such must be willing to admit our transgressions and whenever possible make restitution for our actions. (I am talking about when we harm others) This is an area that we can stand out as "Holy unto God". When others run and hide, we must step forward and admit our mistake. God expects His people to do right to others, and this means even when we have wronged them. In those circumstances, our faith is tested but God has promised to work out everything for our good, even when we break the law, if we act rightly.
As we consider what the Israelites were required to do as Gods' people, may we determine to act with equal integrity and honor. Our reputations are on the line, but more importantly the reputation of Gods' people depends on our actions. God bless you as you serve Him.