Sunday, March 1, 2009

March 1

IV. Personal Rights and Remedies - A. Restitution for Loss - Numbers 5:5-10; Exodus 22:7-18; B. Seduction - Exodus 22:16-17; C. Injuries and Damages - Exodus 21:33-34, 22:5-6, 21:28-32, 21:35-36; Leviticus 24:18, 21; Deuteronomy 22:8; D. Masters and Servants - Leviticus 19:13; Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Leviticus 25:44-46; Deuteronomy 23:15-16, 15:12-18; Exodus 21:1-11, 21:26-27; E. Credit, Interest and Collateral - Deuteronomy 23:19-20, 24:12-13; Exodus 22:25-27; Deuteronomy 24:6, 24:10-11, 24:17, 15:1-11; F. Contracts and Agreements - Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:1-16; G. Weights and Measures - Leviticus 19:11, 19:35-37; Deuteronomy 25:13-16; H. Inheritance - 1. Right of Firstborn - Deuteronomy 21:15-17; 2. Levirate Marriage - Deuteronomy 25:5-10; 3. Case of Zelophehad's Daughters - Numbers 27:1-11, 36:1-13

I think the poor enjoy a unique relationship with God.  God has a heart for those without.  And they have God's ear in a special way.  He watches how we treat them with interest, like a parent watching at a distance how children deal with a challenged sibling.  Do we show compassion?  Or make a show of our "superiority?"  Father, forgive us.   

We can argue over our various religious beliefs.  But no one argues about Mother Teresa.  Service helps us understand one another.

"Pay him his wages each day before sunset, because he is poor and is counting on it. Otherwise he may cry to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty of sin." [Deut. 24:15]

"If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother.  Rather be open-handed and freely lend him whatever he needs.  Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought:  'The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near,' so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing.  He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.  Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to." [Deut. 15:7-10]


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