February 5

Exodus 21:22-23:13; Matthew 24:1-28; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 7:6-23

Today's Old Testament passage is one of those readings that, if quickly read over, might be dismissed as just some old rules that certainly don't apply to us today. And yet the Bible is the living Word of God. It is "alive and active" (Heb 4:12). So even though we're too civilized to stone people and animals in the 21st century, there must be truth and wisdom for us to learn from what God has written.

How do we dig it out? Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to Teach as we read the Bible. Meditate on the Word and listen for God to open up the scriptures and give us understanding.

As I read through Exodus 21 this week, I sensed one single word in my spirit...accountability. God held the Israelites strictly accountable for what they did - especially when it affected other people.

It's clear to me that God isn't a God of excuses. When we have a responsibility, He expects us to follow through and do it right, or face consequences. The laws He gave Moses demonstrated how seriously He takes this issue. When an Israelite's actions or lack of actions broke a law, they were required to make restitution by paying a price --- and depending on the severity, it could even cost someone their life. There was no room for whining, excuses or blaming someone else.

Simply put, God wants us to right our wrongs. If we break it, we buy it. If we lose it, we replace it. If it's our fault we don't try to hide behind some lame story. We accept the responsibility and do all we can to make it right with God and our fellow man.

It is interesting that while some people try to get out of taking responsibility for what they've done, the only way to become blameless in God's sight is to accept blame when we sin and ask Christ to forgive us. While we still must assume the earthly consequences for what we've done, Christ takes the spiritual consequences upon Himself and removes our wrongs for eternity. "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered" (Rom 4:7).

"Heavenly Father, help me live a life of integrity and always take responsibility for my actions. When I make a mistake or do the wrong thing, give me the wisdom to apologize and correct my ways so nobody suffers because of me. Thank You for the forgiveness of Jesus, who covers my sins and weaknesses with His blood. Amen."

God bless you,

Pastor Susan