S) "25 The congregation shall deliver the manslayer from the hand of the blood avenger, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge to which he fled; and he shall live in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil."
Numbers 35:25 (NASB)
O) This is a very intriguing passage of law, to me. A "manslayer" was essentially someone who is found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. What is remarkable to me, is that God's judgement in the Old Testament is often seen as severe and invariable. It seems like so many things were immediately punishable by death, that it sometimes takes us by surprise when something doesn't require the death of the guilty. But here, we see foreshadowing of the mearcy that has always been there with God, coming in the form of variable punishment. Justice is still served, but it's a compassionate justice that allows for extenuating circumstances. There is still a consequence (and indeed, if you read on, you see that manslayer may still be killed by the blood avenger), but that consequence is softened, based on the inidividual story. God wants to lessen our punishments without compromising His perfection.
A) When I was a kid, my dad used a phrase that absolutely demoralized me. If I was in trouble, he would tell me he doesn't want my excuses. I don't know if I was ever able to accurately convey that I was never trying to excuse myself. I only wanted him to understand why I did it; to understand me. This is what God shows us in this verse. He understands the reasons, even if it doesn't excuse our transgression. As a father myself, I want to emulate my Father in Heaven. I want to deal justly with my children, but not severely. I want them to be heard and I want them to see that their words, their hearts, matter. We can spin our wheels, going nowhere, with all of the intent of a racecar driver, and the intent can mean nothing. But sometimes, the intent is everything. I thank God that He sees my heart and hears me out about my intent.
P) Father, I want to emulate You in my own fatherhood. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, my children, in their cases before me. When I have to discipline my kids, speak to me about the justice I must enforce, but also about the mercy their hearts need. Let my discipline go further than simple punishments, and help me to find consequences that accurately fit their transgressions. Thank You for the mercy I have received, myself. Help me to be gracious and compassionate, especially to my own family. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
A) When I was a kid, my dad used a phrase that absolutely demoralized me. If I was in trouble, he would tell me he doesn't want my excuses. I don't know if I was ever able to accurately convey that I was never trying to excuse myself. I only wanted him to understand why I did it; to understand me. This is what God shows us in this verse. He understands the reasons, even if it doesn't excuse our transgression. As a father myself, I want to emulate my Father in Heaven. I want to deal justly with my children, but not severely. I want them to be heard and I want them to see that their words, their hearts, matter. We can spin our wheels, going nowhere, with all of the intent of a racecar driver, and the intent can mean nothing. But sometimes, the intent is everything. I thank God that He sees my heart and hears me out about my intent.
P) Father, I want to emulate You in my own fatherhood. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, my children, in their cases before me. When I have to discipline my kids, speak to me about the justice I must enforce, but also about the mercy their hearts need. Let my discipline go further than simple punishments, and help me to find consequences that accurately fit their transgressions. Thank You for the mercy I have received, myself. Help me to be gracious and compassionate, especially to my own family. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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