In viral comedy videos online, there are depictions of the differences in how parents treat firstborns, middle children, and lastborns. The general conclusion is that parents tend to become less strict as they get older, which in turn influences how their children respond to their authority.
In Exodus 22-24, we see God giving covenant instructions to His children about living standards. God is so interested in the details that He gives property laws and social interaction laws. He also gives instructions on how justice should be served and we see the Israelites agreeing to God’s terms without hesitation.
Now, we know that salvation is not in keeping myriads of laws but rather in believing the Gospel (Romans 3:20-22, Ephesians 2:8-9). While this is great news, it seems like, in our day, God’s authority gets increasingly undermined. We see people get away with unspeakable evils, and God seems to allow it.
However, we are encouraged to understand that God has not changed. His patience is so that as many people as possible get saved (2 Peter 3:9). Given this we must continue reconciling men to God knowing we have a limited time.
Reflection question: In what ways do you take the patience of God for granted? How can you correct this?
Today’s reading
Exodus 22-24
“Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.
2 “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed;
3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.
“Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft.
Matthew 21:23-46
23 Jesus entered the temple courts, and, while he was teaching, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. “By what authority are you doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave you this authority?”
24 Jesus replied, “I will also ask you one question. If you answer me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
25 John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?”