SOAP 03/04/2015; Leviticus 24:19-20

Today's reading: Leviticus 24

S) "¹⁹ If a man injures his neighbor, just as he has done, so it shall be done to him: ²⁰ fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; just as he has injured a man, so it shall be inflicted on him."

Leviticus 24:19-20 (NASB)

O) This is Law that stood for hundreds of years. This set a standard for the treatment of others, warning people that whatever they did to someone else, it would be done to them. Jesus made it clear, that this method was not part of the new covenant in Him. This was essentially a reactive regulation, consequently governing God's people. If we contrast this with the "golden rule" (see Matthew 7:12), we see that the new way was to be assertive in our positive treatment of others. The underlying point is the same: God has a standard for His people. It is a serious standard, with no room for debate. These principles have not changed in Jesus.

A) The crux of this change (from reactive to active) rests with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Aside from Him, we are not able to uphold the standards God has set. It is the grace of God, that I am to be treated as Jesus instructed, and the grace of God that I am able to treat people the same way. It is little comfort to think that the only thing preventing crimes against me, or my family, would be a fear of punishment. In our society, that is essentially all that there is. Even still, the Law of the Old Testament stands above our government, in that the punishment for transgression was simple, straightforward, and immediately carried out. In this way, we see that God has not become more lenient in His standards (despite the abolishment of "eye for an eye"), but He has actually required a much higher standard. So, it should be that as I strive to the highest standard of behavior, attainable only by the power of God within me, it should be a shining beacon to the world, as the separation of His ways and the world's standards has never been greater.

P) Father, You are slow to anger, and great in Your lovingkindness. Let that compassion, grace, and mercy be in me, a shining beacon to a darkened world. Open their eyes to see that You have a greater standard and in it, a greater quality of life. Be glorified in joy, peace, and thanksgiving. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.