Leviticus 24:16 (NKJV)
16 And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death.
Sound good to you? Many people today get stoned at a party. It’s not what it would appear in today’s culture. In biblical times, getting stoned was not a pleasant experience. It was the punishment of death to the perpetrator. It was capital punishment which did not seem like it fit the crime. Just using the Lord’s name in vain was punishable by death from stoning. It sure seemed that God was mean. Like He was out to stone you, doesn’t it? Here is the good news. He isn’t out to stone you. In fact, it is quite the opposite.
When we break the Law, there are consequences. Cause and effect. The Law was given to us so we would know exactly how far we fall short. Romans 6:23 (NKJV) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Death by stoning. But even back then, when the Law showed how far we fall short, our Lord had a plan to redeem us. You see, He wants to bless us. He wants us close to Him. He is a God of blessings. He loves you so much He took on human form and sacrificed Himself so that you could live. He satisfied the demands of the Law, the consequences, so that you could be the righteousness of God in Christ. Quite an exchange. Your sin for His righteousness. More than we could ask or imagine. But we didn’t. It was God’s doing and His alone. He did that for you!
Do you want to get high? What if I could offer you the most exhilarating experience of your life? What if you could have more joy than you have ever known? That is the joy that comes from loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus asked you to do just that. If you want real joy, follow His lead.
Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son. There is nothing so exciting and partnering with You to love people as You love. Allow us to partner with you to bring peace, joy and love to a hurting world. By Your Spirit, help us to live as You would have us live. In Your name we pray.
In Him,
Robert “Dr.Bob” Springer
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Robert “Dr. Bob”. Springer, CMHG P 908.625.8149
225 Peachtree Drive Rural Delivery #2
Basking Ridge, NJ 07920-3503
Encouragement Daily Book 366 Daily Devotions
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