Read to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Leviticus 19-21
Leviticus 19:13
Thou shalt not defraud thy neighbour, neither rob him: the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all night until the morning.
God’s law is not “pick and choose.” His Word is not a cafeteria where we choose what we want and leave the rest. Never has been, never will be. God’s Word is God’s Word on the matter. However, many try to do just that; pick and choose. The Law of Moses in the Old Testament is a true to life example. Some today choose their favorite parts and make mountains out of them yet choose to forget the rest. This is laziness at best and hypocritical at worst.
Today’s verse is a wonderful sample. Did you know that it is against the Law of God, as given by Moses, to not pay a person who is hired to do a job every day, at the end of the day? Today, every employer breaks this law. In the same chapter that speaks about idols, taking care of the poor, not stealing, hurting or cursing the deaf or blind, hate, bearing grudges, and various other physical issues God inserts this tidbit.
So, are employers wrong today? No. This law however is still in effect in principle. The principle is to pay those that are hired properly. Colossians 4:1 states this principle in action: Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven. Masters are those in charge, servants are those who work for those in charge. Those who hire others are to be just and honorable to their employees.
This is one example of hundreds. For example, consider Leviticus 19:32. Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the Lord. Yeah, I like it, let the old men sleep in late, the younger ones are to get the fires going, take care of the water basins, prepare their coffee and breakfast so the old men may eat and be comforted when they awake. They are to be honored in this way. So, let me sleep late! No, that is not what this is saying, although that’s a good teaching. This verse is about respect, when an old person appears the younger should stand up, look them in the eyes and properly greet them. In doing this the younger proves to the Lord their respect and honor to Him. This is largely forgotten today.
The point is, we cannot pick and choose God’s teachings. And while the Law of Moses is no longer kept to the letter, the principles that those laws teach are. In fact, it could be said that the New Testament is more strict concerning God’s Laws. After all, in the Old Testament it was the actual act that was the sin. In the New Testament sin is found deeper, it is in the heart and mind. Just consider that which Jesus said in Matthew 5:28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Stopping sin in the heart and mind is where the battle is today.
Again, the point is, we cannot, should not, must not, pick and choose what we accept and what we reject. Yet the Bible, the entire Bible, must be completely read and accurately interpreted by study. Which is exactly what you are attempting to do by participating in this year long devotional series. Good for you, you are doing a good thing.
William T. Howe Ph.D.
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