“It is the Right Thing to Do”

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

BIBLE READING: Exodus 20-23

The marginalized hold a special place in the heart of YHWH. In the law He gives specific commands regarding treatment of slaves, widows, the fatherless, poor and sojourners. By nature of their circumstances, these people receive the least amount of help, justice and attention. But YHWH sees them, and in his new nation He expects His people to serve them. It is not simply because YHWH is a philanthropist who enjoys being a beneficiary, but because it is the right thing to do. Every person, made in His image, should experience the hope of justice and mercy because that is his prevailing nature.

This reality has been obscured by sinful pride and selfishness but must not be so among God’s people. In fact, it should have been a primary concern to Israel given their recent past. YHWH saw them in their oppression and did not ignore their needs (Exodus 2.23-25). As they moved forward in liberty and hope, they must allow their past to shape them in humility and love.

“You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt… You know the heart of a sojourner…” (Exodus 22.21; 23.9)

Much of the law reflected what YHWH had done for Israel, so it should have been taken personally. But beyond just the personal application, YHWH wanted them to understand it was simply the right thing to do. It is not right to take advantage of the less fortunate. It is not right to oppress others for personal gain. It is not right to have plenty and not share it with others. If we are fulfilling our role in the image of God, we must be in-tune with the needs of others and the ability we have to serve. With power and position comes expectation because that is the image in which we are created.

The world regards these things as noble, but God reveals them as right. The distinction must be firm in our minds because activities of justice and mercy are not subject to our choice. “What does the LORD require but to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6.8; [Matthew 9.13]). In fact, this should be a primary concern as the redeemed people of God. We communicate the gospel in how we treat the socially marginalized. That is because we were slaves to our former passions that destroyed our lives. We were poor, needy and helpless. Paul’s words to the Corinthians echo YHWH’s message to Israel: “such were some of you!” (1 Corinthians 6.11). The gospel compels us to remember our degenerate condition and intentionally reflect towards others the mercy shown to us (Matthew 18.21-35; Ephesians 2.1-10). This is the right thing to do.

We are given much liberty to live as we choose. But if we are YHWH’s people, the marginalized will have a special place in our heart. By his grace we have been redeemed to be messengers of hope, justice and mercy because that is his prevailing nature.

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