(Proverbs 23:11 KJV) For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee.
“Redeemer” (1350) was an important word to Israel. It had very concrete applications in their lives. It is the word that was used for the one sent to kill a murderer. That really seems strange to us but murder was not taken lightly in those days. They were not talking rehabilitation, but payment.
As I continued to investigate this word I was reminded of the detailed plan God has for allowing a rural people to keep their inheritance. If people were forced to sell their family property in hard times they were given a right of redemption. They had that right. But I also noticed that people were not required to sell back property as charity. There seems to be a 20% mark-up on the property that is being redeemed. God understands the principles of real estate, profit, and property. Being part of the family of God does not mean we are a welfare state that takes from the rich and gives to the poor. Responsibility and fair value are expected.
Here is a side of God we do not like. Because He is righteous, when we are wrong He will “plead the case” (7379) “against” (854) us. He will not stand up for us when we are disobedient. Don’t think that because you claim the name of Jesus that you can live a selfish and dishonest life. God expects us to be obedient and righteous.
So rest in the reality of a Redeemer. We are not expected to be perfect and earn the redemption but we are expected to do our best to live as He would have us live
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2 comments:
Good post. Too often, we see people get themselves into messes and then whine about God not helping them. I still remember the time that I was wrestling with a problem and was asking the Lord for help. That "still, small voice" said, "You got yourself into this mess, now get yourself out of it." I paid a dear price for that lesson!
Last Sunday the pastor at my daughter's church said something to the effect that the reason we have a crisis is because we were unable to learn in normal circumstances. One reason I try to study and learn from worship is to try to beat that pattern. I wish I succeeded more often.
Grace and Peace.
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