A Holy Nation (4): Deuteronomy 24-26 (3)

Opening Prayer: Psalm 19.7, 8
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes…

Psalm 19.7, 8
(St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
The Law of God is perfect, His testimony sure;
The simple man God’s wisdom learns, the soul receives its cure.
God’s Word is right, and His command is pure, and truth imparts;
He makes our eyes to understand; with joy He fills our hearts.

Today’s Text: Deuteronomy 25.1-4

Preparation
1. What was the role of judges in disputes between neighbors?

2. How does the Law show concern for animals?

Meditation
Let’s start with the statute that says an ox must not be muzzled while it’s working (v. 4). We might ask with Paul, “Does God care for oxen?” (1 Cor. 9.8, 9) While more is intended in this statute, it’s clear that God does care about oxen. They should be allowed to feed from the grain that they’re being used to thresh. The Law of God prohibits the abuse of animals, especially working animals. Do animals deserve justice? It seems they do, as does all of creation. Paul explained that creation groans under the burden of mankind’s sin. We must not add to that burden; rather, we must seek, by our acts of loving concern, to bring all of creation – including pets, farm animals, and creatures in the wild – under the liberating power of the Gospel (Rom. 8.19-22). It is an act of obligatory justice to treat the world God loves (Jn. 3.16) and Christ has reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5.19) with love, and it illustrates an application of the eighth commandment.

Verses 1-4 illustrate examples both of retributive justice and obligatory justice. The retributive part is clear (vv. 1, 2). Corporal punishment was an approved means of justice, as determined case-by-case. It undoubtedly also served as a deterrent for those who might otherwise be inclined to try to take advantage of a neighbor. The threat of corporal punishment worked to preserve all the neighbor-love commandments, since it was applied at the discretion of the local judges. The sparing of the dignity of the guilty (v. 3) is the act ofobligatory justice and illustrates an aspect of the eighth commandment. Those who are guilty of crimes do not cease to be human beings made in the image and likeness of God. We may not steal their dignity from them. We must always treat people – even despicable people – with the respect their image-bearing status deserves.

Treasure Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162
God also disciplines us without humiliation. His goal is never to embarrass or annihilate us, but to restore us. He calls us to be kind and just to animals. And to the wicked. If He wants us to treat others with such respect, we can be sure He will treat us in the same way. We can see this plainly in Scripture: “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly” (Prov. 13.24). “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5.17). “‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives’” (Heb. 12.5, 6). “For [our parents] indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb 12.10, 11). “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Rev. 3.19, 20). God disciplines us in such a loving way, that even after being rebuked and chastened by Him, we long to welcome Him into our home and enjoy a meal with Him. We aren’t embarrassed or humiliated. Just rebuked and restored to hospitable fellowship with the One Who loves us most. Since we experience this from Him, we must not muzzle this justice to others.

Reflection
1. What are some forms retributive justice takes in our day?

2. Why is it important that people not abuse animals or other aspects of creation?

3. Why does God sometimes chasten us? What is He trying to do for us?

The sum is, that we should freely and voluntarily pay what is right, and that every one should be strict with himself as to the performance of his duty; for, if we are bound to supply subsistence to brute animals, much less must we wait for men to be importunate with us, in order that they may obtain their due. John Calvin (1509-1564), Commentary on Deuteronomy 25.4

Thank You, Lord, that in Jesus Christ You have made me holy, so that I…

Closing Prayer: Psalm 19.9-14
Pray that God’s Law and all His Word will you guide you in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake today.

Psalm 19.9-14
(St. Christopher: Beneath the Cross of Jesus)
The fear of God is cleansing, forever shall it last.
His judgments all are true and just, by righteousness held fast.
O seek them more than gold most fine, than honey find them sweet;
Be warned by every word and line; be blessed with joy complete.

Who, Lord, can know his errors? O keep sin far from me!
Let evil rule not in my soul that I may blameless be.
O let my thoughts, let all my words, before Your glorious sight
be pleasing to You, gracious Lord, acceptable and right!

T. M. and Susie Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All quotations from Church Fathers from Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy: Ancient Christian Commentary Series III, Joseph T. Lienhard, S. J. ed. in collaboration with Ronnie J. Rombs, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2001). All quotations from John Calvin from John Calvin, Commentaries on The Four Last Books of Moses Arranged in the Order of A Harmony, Rev. Charles William Bingham M. A., tr. and ed. (Edinburgh: The Calvin Translation Society, 1863. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).