Deuteronomy 19 restates the law concerning the establishment of cities of refuge and how they will be used. The basic concept was to limit the “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” justice that was to be meted out by the family member of one who had been killed, when the death was an accident. There was no mercy for those who committed intentional murder, but accidental death was to be treated with mercy. At the end of the chapter, we also find some admonitions concerning justice with regard to boundary markers, and witnesses and their ability to make accusations. The legal system was intended to provide justice for the nation, and to reflect God’s justice and mercy toward His people.
Deuteronomy 20 established conduct for war against Israel’s enemies. The key point was the Israelites weren’t to be afraid, because God was fighting for them. The priests were to head up the battle, and they were to dismiss any who had recently built a house, planted a vineyard, or been married, so they wouldn’t miss out on enjoying these new experiences in their lives. In addition, any who were afraid were to be dismissed, so their fear wouldn’t incite others to fear. Enemies in distant lands were to be given the option to serve Israel rather than to be destroyed, but the immediate inhabitants of the Promised Land were to be utterly destroyed. We’ve seen this theme over and over again. The reason is the same: God did not want the Israelites to be seduced by the idol worship of the inhabitants, or their immorality. He was establishing a holy nation, and that started with a “clean slate” when it came to their land of habitation. One additional command God gave was for the Israelites not to destroy the trees in any land they went to conquer. His reasoning was the trees had done nothing against the people. This act of conservation demonstrates God’s purpose in having people “subdue the earth and have dominion over it,” as found in Genesis 1, does not include destroying nature for the sake of that dominion.
Deuteronomy 21 restates some random rules we have seen before. They include: how an unsolved murder was to be addressed, so the people would not be held guilty for it; the process for marrying a woman who had been part of a people defeated by Israel; the rights of firstborn sons; dealing with a rebellious son; and the responsibility not to let anyone who had been hung on a tree (as a form of execution) hang there overnight. These regulations continue into chapter 22, and conclude with a “laundry list” of prohibitions against sexual immorality. As we read through the lists, and see the death penalty for rebellious sons, the treatment of a foreign captive as having no rights, and various other rules that seem to have extreme punishments for the level of the crime, our 21st century sensibilities will undoubtedly be offended once again. Remember, we are dealing with a nation where justice was a new concept, and where holiness was the goal. This won’t make it easier for us to accept the concepts, perhaps, but it will make it easier to understand.
John 21 offers us one of the most poignant scenes in the Bible. Jesus has already shown Himself to the apostles after His resurrection. Nevertheless, Peter decides to go fishing, and takes most of the apostles with him. Perhaps, seeing Jesus alive only reminded Peter of his failure when Jesus was being tried and sentenced to death. In any case, they fished all night and caught nothing. In the morning, Jesus appeared to them on the beach. He asked whether they had caught any fish. Then He told them to cast their nets on the other side. The result was an amazing catch of fish. At that, John told Peter, “It is the Lord.” Peter jumped into the water and swam to shore. When the rest arrived in the boat, Jesus had already cooked breakfast for them.
After the meal, Jesus took Peter aside and asked him three times, “Do you love me?” Jesus’ question contained the Greek word “agape” for love the first two times. Peter responded the first two times with, “Yes, I love (Greek word: philios) you. The two words have significantly different meanings. Agape is the selfless love of God, whereas philios is human friendship. The third time Jesus asked the question, He too, used the word philios. Jesus recognized at that moment Peter could muster no more than philios, but that was enough. Jesus commanded Peter to care for His “sheep,” each time he responded he loved Jesus. Jesus was reinstating Peter to his work. Jesus was forgiving Peter and telling him to focus forward rather than backward. He even told Peter that one day he would stand up for Jesus at the cost of his own life!
What a powerful lesson for each of us. We have all denied Jesus. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, even after trusting Jesus as Savior and Lord. Jesus’ words to Peter remind us He loves us–agapes us–regardless of what we have done. That gives us the hope to look forward no matter what we have done in the past, or what detours we are taking right now. The next time we have failed Jesus in some way, let’s remember John 21 and the powerful love Jesus showed Peter. Then remember that same love is ours, because Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever!
I look forward to this time reading everyday! Thank you!!!