For a description of the (Y2) reading plan, see the “About” page.
Rom. 10
Paul knew that the Jews in general, especially the religious ones, were zealous for God. He knew because he was once among the most zealous of them. So from his post-conversion position, he had a solid understanding of what they were lacking. “Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.” (Rom. 10:3). Being religious does not equate to being righteous before God. The Jews were so focused on their own standards that they missed God completely. They couldn’t see the forest for the trees.
Our actions matter, because we act from what is in our hearts. But actions can be deceiving. Two people can perform the same action for two entirely different reasons. Thus, it is what is in our hearts that really matters. Do we worship to check a box? Or do we worship because our heart overflows with gratitude and awe for the God who both created and redeemed us? Do we give because it looks good or alleviates a sense a guilt? Or do we give to pass on the blessings we have freely received from the God who owns all things? We need to understand that we can never attain righteousness by our own efforts. It only comes from an intimate knowledge of God which leads to faith in His promise, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Num. 5-6
What is the purpose of restitution for wrongs? “Any man or woman who wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the LORD is guilty” (Num. 5:6). Jesus told us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all we’ve got. Then He said that the second is like it – to love our neighbor as our self. The point, to me, is that we can’t do one without the other. This verse supports that thought. Doing wrong to another is sinful because it is unfaithful to God. It breaks His command. And we know from 1 John 5:3, “this is love for God: to keep His commands.” How we deal with and treat those around us matters.
I also find it interesting that “full restitution” costs more than the original sin. Twenty percent more, actually. This is a stark reminder to me that when we wrong others it always costs more than what we see on the surface. We can never undo that. What is broken can never be made truly whole again. And wounds – even if they are the kind we can’t see – leave scars. However I also see this “add a fifth of the value” thing as a reminder that God is able to take the worst that is done to us and use it to bless us far beyond what was taken away. He can take the broken pieces of our lives and make something new – and better – out of them. And we have living proof in Jesus that God brings healing and gives life through scars.